Victory is mine!

Well, really, I share this victory with the entire Auburn family.

This past Friday, I attended my 3rd Iron Bowl as a student, my first as an Alabama student. For those of you wondering, I wore navy.

Truthfully, I dreaded the Iron Bowl this year. With all the mud-slinging going on surrounding my man Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers, I knew tensions would be high and sitting in the Bama student section would be especially rough. As the big day approached, weather forecasts predicted rain and cold. So when I rolled out of bed-- my double bed that I shared with JoJo and Chasley-- that Friday morning, finding a warm, cozy place to watch the game instead was awfully tempting.

I fought the urge, though, and I braved the elements and the student section. A friend of mine and fellow Auburn alum in law school at UA invited me to sit with him and a few of his cohorts at the game, so I happily obliged. Little did I know I'd be sitting with 10 or more excited Auburn supporters.

Yes, we were booed. Yes, we were hissed at and cussed at. I've never seen so many obscene finger gestures nor heard so many f-bombs flung at myself and my team, but our merry band of fans just turned the other cheek.

Yes, the first half was tough. It was beginning to look like another shut out in Bryant-Denny was upon us, and I was dreading the shameful walk out of the student section. It was bitter cold, so I started dancing/jiggling to keep warm. And then it happened: we scored. Thrilled to at least have points on the board, I kept up my good luck dancing.

In the second half of the game, the Auburn Tigers really showed up. "We" didn't allow the Tide to score a single touchdown, and we pulled out victorious. I'm sure a lot of it had to do with my dancing.

It's amazing how much warmer it gets when you win.

To celebrate our victory, I headed downtown with some of my very best friends to dance the night away. As predicted, the tensions were high, and multiple bar fights broke out. Sure, it's dangerous and kind of scary, but it's really very entertaining to watch. It's amazing how fast the two fighters can move across the floor, and I'm pretty sure my life was saved by my dance partner shoving me out of the way at one point. Also very exciting: watching the bouncers put the most giant, drunkest guys into headlocks and remove them from the bar. Drunk people are funny.

So, even besides the win, with my best friends packed into my apartment and long hours of dancing and laughter, it was my best Iron Bowl in some time... possibly ever.

War Eagle to that.

Oh, the places you'll go.

i don't even know where to start.

My Thanksgiving break has been a whirlwind of activities, and I have loved every minute and slept very little.

Saturday, Clay arrived in Tuscaloosa, and we headed North to home. We packed an unwilling Macy into her Kitty Carrier and hit the road around 9. Around 10, Macy had a little oopsie. Unable to voice her need to hit up a gas station, she was left with little options. As we drove through Cleveland, Clay and I kept the conversation going as we both politely ignored the other one's outrageous gas... and then I heard Macy attempting to throw invisible litter on her... accident. Although I was glad to realize Clay wasn't suffering from horrendous gastrointestinal problems, the remainder of the ride home was pretty chilly with the windows down.

Sunday I went with Clay and his family to see Harry Potter. Whoa, whoa, whoa. I can't explain my emotional connection with this series. I just love it. I sob every time I read the books, and I can barely contain myself when even a preview comes on. Bring on Part II!

Monday, Chasley and I met Wade-o for lunch in Huntsville before we went shopping. Two things: Rosie's never disappoints and I could spend days in Forever 21. With Chasley's help, I found a gorgeous dress for KB's wedding at Belk. That wedding is on my "Things I'm Looking Forward To" list. Monday night, Clay and I went to see my dad's dress rehearsal for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat. As the title suggests, this show is uh-mazing.

On Tuesday I got to sub at the high school, and then I had to head to Tuscaloosa for class. Blah.

Erica and I met for breakfast and real talk on Wednesday morning. I love Huddle House with my whole heart, but I've got to be more persistent about Mama's opening for breakfast next time I'm there. After breakfast I went to blue grass practice with Dad. I think I nailed Away in a Manger-- a favorite since preschool-- but my attempts at Joy to the World were just plain scary. After that, I took Dad to get his very first spray tan-- a must for Pharoah Elvis. Later that night I did his make-up for dress rehearsal... Another things list: Things I Never Thought I'd Say, "I have to get home to do my dad's make-up."

Thursday thru Sunday were so exciting that they deserve their own blog posts. On a less interesting note, I'll be spending today unpacking and reorganizing my closet.

outwit. outlast. outplay.

The reality show that started all reality shows: Survivor.

I had never really followed Survivor until last season's All-Stars series.

I was living at home last spring, and it became mine and Mom's bonding time (along with a number of other guilty pleasure reality shows of the Real Housewives variety).

For fall's Survivor season, the contestants are in Nicaragua and I'm back in Tuscaloosa.

My passion for Survivor has only grown, although I'm the only twenty-something I know that watches.

I love to hate the villains: NaOnka, a PE teacher straight out of Compton with the worst imaginable attitude; Brenda, a snake in the grass former professional cheerleader; and Sash, who frankly just gives me the creeps.

I love to love the loveable ones: Chase, who is pathetically in love with Brenda but still adorable; Fabio, who is a walking caricature of a surfer dude; and Kelly B, who competed with a prosthetic leg... and was incredible.

And I forget about the ones who fly under the radar: Dan (why is he still there??), Kelly Purple, Holly, Benry... there are probably others...

For months now I've had a dream: I want to try out for Survivor. Some people laugh when I say this, but I think they're underestimating my capacity for roughin' it.

I don't know if I'll ever pull the trigger. I think I could live in Survivor, but I'm not sure how well I would do in the challenges. Some of them are pretty crazy, but then I look at the people doing them and can't help but think, "If they can do it, surely I can." Surely. Maybe.

So we'll see. Maybe one night I'll get crazy and put in an application. Otherwise, I'll keep watching as long as they keep Surviving.

Here's what I do know.

I eat a bag of kettle corn for dinner at least once a week. My mom says she's worried about my diet, and I'm beginning to see why. My food intake today looks like this: rice & beans around 10:30 am, a graham cracker and peanut butter around 2:30 pm, two snack size Hershey bars, and a bag of kettle corn I'm munching on now. There's also a Diet Dr. Pepper in my near future.

I'm not sure how I made it this long without Otis Redding. This is the kind of music I listen to when I study-- much to my class's chagrin when I'm subbing: "Miss Hays, have you got the blues?"-- and every now and then I take a study break just to dance around the living room. It kind of makes me feel like Meredith Grey and Christina Yang.

Speaking of music, Christmas music before Thanksgiving is a MAJOR NO-NO where I'm from. For one, if I start listening to Christmas music too early, I'm completely over it before the glorious holiday even arrives. And secondly, give Thanksgiving some credit, people! Turkey Day is all too often looked over in anticipation of Christmas, and... it just ain't right. Take a moment and be thankful for Thanksgiving. And then, the day afterward, crank up the Christmas tunes and sing in the season to your favorite Christmas album. My personal faves are Mariah Carey and Bing Crosby, but this year I'm open for suggestions.

For one of my last assignments in my Thursday night class-- Principles of School Counseling-- I have to turn in a curriculum vita (it's like a big-girl version of a resume). I haven't started yet, and for good reason: it's just not going to take me that long to type out my half page CV. I mean, really, my professor's CV is 34-pages. I am a nobody with no experience. Ho hum. Maybe I'll list 'blogging' under skills... That's gotta count for something. It makes me media savvy, maybe?

I was going to devote an entire post to the Prince William and Kate engagement, and maybe I still will, but in case I don't get around to it... Congrats, kids. It's a long time coming. Wills, it never would've worked out between us. Frankly, I've been after your brother since my first trip to London the summer after 8th grade. I'll be back in May, so... double date? Better yet, I bet Harry needs a date to the nuptials anyway.

must. do. real. work.

Random thoughts on a rainy Monday

Now Playing: She Knows Her Way Around by Act of Congress

It's funny that it's gross here-- rainy and gray and in slow motion-- and my mom's sitting on the deck in Gulf Shores watching waves crash onto a sunny beach. But she deserves that. If I had to bet, I'd say she and my Aunt Deb are sipping Coca-Cola Classic and telling the same old stories.

I like having conversations with my dad about football and professors. It's like some kind of weird affirmation of my maturity, these grown up conversations. My mom is my very best friend-- maybe it's my ego that wants to say that we're closer than most, or maybe we just are closer than most mother-daughter duos-- but I'm very sentimental about my dad. Everything he does is special to me. I guess I'm just a daddy's girl. A very proud daddy's girl.

My remaining work load looks like this: 4-page paper, 10-page paper, curriculum vita, portfolio, study guide, three finals, and a few projects to do in my grad assistant hours. I need to cross a couple, or several, of those things off my list today, but my work ethic and motivation is about as crappy as this weather.

I believe that laughter and chocolate have healing powers, and when combined they can make miracles. Right now I'd love to be in mine or Erica's room, eating sweet treats, with Erica and Anna (although I'm sure Anna would abstain from the treats; she has a defective sweet tooth) and going over every detail of our lives in disjointed, interrupting conversations. I'm already in my sweat pants and fleece pullover, now I just need the baked goods and my two best friends.

Over the holidays, I'm going to read as many books as I can get my hands on-- novels, biographies, series. And I hope I go to the movies several times. Sometimes it's inconvenient that we have to drive all the way to Huntsville to see a movie, but most of the time it's nice to pile into the car with your nearest and dearest for a mini-road trip. And I love-love-love watching a movie in a theater. What comes out Friday? Harry Potter. Could I be more excited? Definitely not. And besides Harry Potter, there are a host of other movies coming out just in time for the holiday break.

I have little to no food in my apartment, but I refuse to leave my apartment and fight the drizzling rain. Looks like instant grits and Ritz crackers for dinner! Although Chasley said my Ritz crackers were a bit soft...

And with all that said, I'm off to buckle down and get to work. Probably. Maybe.

Good, Great, Grand

I have great friends.

No really: they're the best.

One of those best friends came to visit me this weekend, and honestly, I don't think she could be a better best friend if she tried... and the thing is, she doesn't even have to try. That's just who Chasley is.

I could go on and on about everything I love about Chas: she's adventurous and fearless, she dresses like a real life Carrie Bradshaw (and she's not a bad writer to boot), her faith in God is unshakeable, and I can't say how much I admire her love of people-- all people. But I won't go on and on. I'll just say that Chasley is one of the rare people you meet in life that will truly inspire you to be a better person... to be more like them... to be more like Christ.

I've seen other acts of friendship lived out this weekend that have warmed my heart more than I can say.

People ask me often if I've run into my ex-boyfriend since we broke up. The answer is no. Even though we share a hometown and a university, we have blessedly had no painful/awkward run-ins. This weekend, as my friends and I walked up to a restaurant for lunch, I saw someone standing in the door wearing a t-shirt that sparked the immediate thought, "He would have liked that shirt." Why would he have liked that shirt? Oh, because that was him. Right there in the doorway. I turned to my friends and said, "I can't go in there. He's right there." Without questions, my sweet friends turned and started looking for another restaurant. They didn't make me feel like a baby or say I was making a big deal out of nothing, which for guy friends I thought was kind of major since the male species is not exactly known for it's sensitivity.

Later this weekend, we went out to hear live music-- this band was pretty much amazing-- and I danced and laughed with three of my best friends for hours. And Chasley didn't even complain when we had to walk over a mile back to my car... in heels.

Today I finished out the weekend with lunch with David, our game day weekend tradition. (Sorry, Dad, still no romance blooming). I think David and I see the world through the same lens, although he's quite a bit calmer than I am. The conversation is always top-notch though, from high school stories to favorite tooth paste.

And of course the weekend was sprinkled with text messages from Anna and a phone date with Erica, as if we could go more than a day without checking in.

I know most people hate to see the weekend end, and I probably fall into that category more often than not... but this Sunday evening, I'm looking forward to tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that and so on... My mommy is coming to town this week, and then I'm heading home for the holidays (minus a few days for finals). And with the holidays come more great times with grand friends, not to mention my wonderful parents and family.

Here's the outline version of Weekend Update:

-Sushi and shopping with Chas

-Dinner and drinks with Dave and friends

-Tailgating on the quad

- My first ever Yellow Hammer at Gallete's

- Chasley's first ever Bama game

- Auburn victory over Georgia (who we never beat in my entire tenure at Auburn; you can thank me for graduating later, AU)

- Dancing at The Red Shed to ZZTop, Hank Williams, Jr., and the like

- Lunch at Mellow Mushroom (not quite the same as Mama's)

- House marathon and much needed rest

bring it, Monday.

the silver lining.

On the phone with Mom:

L: And I'm just going to leave Macy at home when I come back from Thanksgiving for finals. I just don't want to have to pack her up so many times. And it'll only be for a few days.

C: Are you sure you can go that long without her?



I guess one way of look at it is this... if nothing else, I've accomplished one thing this year: I am quite possibly the world's youngest cat lady.

No Sleep November

This is more for me than you. The rest of my November is in hyperdrive, and there are some pretty exciting items on the agenda. Somehow, seeing it all written out calms me and gets me excited all at the same time.

Tonight, I'm giving my multicultural presentation. Outside of a final on December 1, this is the climax of my time in a class that has almost done me in. For 20 minutes or more, I will stand in front my peers and present information about my experience interviewing a friend from Mexico. I'll present all of my research concerning this population, including seminal articles on the topic as well as assessment tools specifically for this people group. And finally, I'll open the floor for questions from my classmates and... my professor. This is where it could get sticky. So shoot a quick prayer up for me.

After class, my friend and classmate Laura will be spending the night with me. Tomorrow we've got to film a video of ourselves demonstrating our counseling theory of choice. If you're in the field of psychology, you might be familiar with the Gloria tapes. If you're not, this won't be funny to you. In mine and Laura's tape, I'm going to be Gloria and she's going to be Fritz Perls, possibly the most frustrating, confrontational theorist of all time. We're going to dress up and use props, namely "smoking" dozens of cigarettes in a 20-minute timeframe as the Gloria tapes were filmed at the height of the smoking craze in the early 60s. And tomorrow night, I'll go to the first of my last two Thursday night classes for the semester.

Friday, Chasley comes to town!! She's never been to Tuscaloosa, so I'm going to do my very best to show her everything this city has to offer. My cousin Luke gave me his student ticket for the game so Chasley will get to experience her very first Bama game with me in the student section. Other than the game, we'll do some shopping, lots of eating, and we'll of course hit the night life. A couple of other friends from home are coming down for the weekend, so I'm anticipating a really good time. But really, Chasley's always a really good time.

Next week, my mommy is coming to visit!! I have always loved when my parents come to visit me at college because I enjoy having a little piece of home in my "other" home. She's going with me to the Bama- Georgia State game on Thursday night, and then of course we'll do some shopping in Northport, home of many a cutesy gift shop.

Sometime late Friday night, Clay and his friend--Stephen, I think-- are dropping in. They'll be en route from Texas to Alabama, and my apartment is serving as a layover for the travelers. Saturday morning, Clayton and I will head to Guntersville and his friend will go to his hometown-- Decatur, I think-- to celebrate our respective Thanksgivings. Although, before I ever get to Thanksgiving, I'll have to come back to Tuscaloosa once more for a pesky Tuesday night class. Skip, you say. If only: our final projects are conveniently due that night.

Thursday, November 25, will be spent with my extended family in Guntersville. This means that my house will be flooded with crimson and white and studded with navy and orange in preparation for the other November holiday: the Iron Bowl. Several friends and I will head down to Tuscaloosa late Thursday night, in hopes of beating game day traffic. I can't wait to have an apartment full of my closest friends: Jordon, Laura, Clay, Anna, Josh, Trey, Marlena... maybe more? I'm sure there won't be room to walk amongst the air mattresses and luggage, but I'm excited just thinking about it. Black Friday will be spent by some of us in Bryant-Denny Stadium, while others tailgate around campus. Tensions are already high in anticipation of what will be one of the best Iron Bowls in years... and don't you worry, I may go to the University of Alabama, but come Iron Bowl I'll be decked in orange and blue with an AU tattoo on my cheek and a shaker in my hand.

The Saturday after Iron Bowl, we will get up after what's sure to be a long night and head home. Saturday afternoon, I'll be meeting up with pledge sisters and old friends to head to the big city (I won't say where because I'm not sure how much of it is a surprise) to celebrate Katie Bolt's last few weeks as a free woman. I can't wait to get together with all of these familiar faces and catch up, and I can't wait to celebrate Katie, who happens to be one of my very favorite people.

When I return Sunday, Mom and Dad will have all the Christmas boxes dragged out. Beside the holiday itself, this is one of my favorite days of the Christmas season. Mom and I will finally-- I say finally because in our household it is an outright sin to do so before Thanksgiving-- break out the Christmas music. We'll decorate the tree to the tunes of Bing Crosby and Kenny G, and we'll relive memories of Christmas past all day as we go through ornaments that are several decades old. Meanwhile, our Cokes will be chilling in the freezer and our red and green sprinkled sugar cookies will be baking in the oven, nearly ready to be enjoyed on Christmas dishes. (This is a tradition that we are very strict about) My specialties are the place settings on the dining room table and the nativity scene on the table in the foyer, and I get a little froggy should "someone" jump the gun and try to do these things before I can get to them.

And with that special day, November comes to a close. I'll return to Tuscaloosa and the real world for a few days and finals before the winter holidays begin. And when those blissful days do arrive, I have many a book to read and craft to do. :)

Cop Out

I know that this isn't an original post, but I really love to read other people's surveys... so I'm going to gift anyone that stumbles onto the old blog with one today. You're welcome. And thanks, Erica, you know how excited I get when you blog.


1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have a scar on my knee from falling down the bleachers at the 4A state championship football game in 2006. Leave it to me to fall down the bleachers when my entire town is packed into Legion Field.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
A mirror, my sorority paddle, my diploma, a clock, a few pictures...

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP
I definitely talk in my sleep from time to time.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
It would be easier to tell you what I don't listen to, namely bands like Nickelback. Gross. Gross. Gross.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Around noon, I think. Correct me if I'm wrong, Mommy.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Christmas break would be stellar. I hate to fast forward through Thanksgiving, but it doesn't offer the whole "break" feature that comes with Christmas.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS ?
My friends, living with my parents, Auburn

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
I'd be lost without my phone. My cat is my life. And I'm really into pictures and books.

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5'3

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Very.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Sometimes.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I think I make myself cry more than anything. I get a little worked up sometimes.

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
My biggest phobia is not being able to breathe.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I like a variety, thanks.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
n/a

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
I only drink coffee that doesn't taste like coffee--e.g. white chocolate latte-- and I suppose my energy drink of choice is Vault (tastes JUST LIKE Surge!)... but I really don't drink either often.

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Mushroom or pineapple... although I love a good slice of plain cheese sometimes.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'm dreaming of one of mine and Erica's Friday night dates at Mama's Pizza now.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Green. Green. Green.

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
No, but I've actually seen people do this. Odd that you should ask.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Off the top of my head, my dad made me a really cool wooden chest for Christmas last year. I think it's one of those things that will be special to me forever because my dad made it. I also get a Snow Baby ornament every year for Christmas, and my mom always picks them out based on something that's going on in my life. It's pretty cool to go through them every year as we put the tree up.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
It's safe to say I have a new crush every week.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Oh yes.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
Free People, Ann Taylor, Gap, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie

25. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITY?
John Krasinski and Jennifer Aniston

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Macy would prefer that you not refer to her as "pet" as she is the part-owner of this establishment.

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
SHE, not it, is a gray no-name cat. Simply delightful.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I would at least try not to, I suppose.

29. A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED.
3

30. ARE YOU WAITING FOR ANY UPCOMING EVENTS?
Chasley is coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend!!!!

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
I'm currently blonde. Check back in six weeks and who knows.

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
I love quotes. When I looked around my room, this is the first one I saw because it's written on my mirror:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail." Lamentation 3:22

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
Auburn. If you're looking for something more exotic, my favorite place to travel is probably Stockholm because of my family there. Oh, and the beach for relaxing.

34. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN OUTSIDE OF THE US?
Lots. I'm very blessed that way.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
CHOCOLATE.

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
I was extremely close to Ben Folds once...

37. FIRST JOB?
Other than babysitting, I started working at Haralson Drugs when I was 15.

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
I was never really into prank calls. I was definitely into the three-way calls though. Whoa, drama.

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
No, I'm not so sure that I do. I'm sure that if I was dating someone that I really loved, I would desperately want to believe we were soul mates.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Watching Gilmore Girls.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Yes.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
When I braid my hair and my peacock necklace.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Nope, and I'm probably the only person that ever really wanted to have them. My cousin Rachel had them, and I'm not sure if I wanted them because she had them or if I just wanted to be her.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
That is a long way off, thank goodness.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
Whoa- let's work on finding a groom first.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My middle name is Cheryl, like my mom.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Arrogance. Video games. Bad taste in music.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Cheerleading. My friends.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Loreal Rosemary Mint for volume, and Redkin Blonde Glam or something like that

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, I'm quite proud of it actually.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I love a combination of turkey and roast beef.

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I check my Facebook entirely too often.

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
In a word, yes.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I hope so. I'm two tons of fun.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
Definitely not.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Sure.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I call my mom and vent.

58. WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS.
Of course I don't want to GAIN weight, but I would be pretty terrifying minus 58 pounds. 18 or 28, much more do-able.

59. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
To have a job that I love, to travel, to have a family

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Barbies and dolls. My favorite things to play were House and School. And sometimes Bank.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
Lots more than I actually use.

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
Eh, not particularly.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
It's my primary language.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Macaroni and cheese

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Sense of humor, outspoken Christian, intelligence, tall, good teeth, excellent taste in music, style... At least I'm not picky...

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Linds, Lindsanity, Z, Hays

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
I would want to control time.

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Say Yes to the Dress, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Community, Scrubs, The Office

69. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
Avoid at all costs.

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Mint chocolate chip

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
Yes

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
My computer goes where I want it to: handy-dandy-laptop.

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Class and spend-the-night party with Laura

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?
I would love to live abroad before I have a family. Once I settle down, though, I want to be near my parents and extended family.

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Sure

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Still Standing is on television.

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Coke Zero and lemonade

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My dad

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Height and clothes, I think.

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Read, shop, craft, blog

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
Homework

82. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?
Fall- football season, fall clothes, changing leaves, crisp cool air

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Chocolate. Anything chocolate.

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
The very, very best.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
For the moment, blonde.

86. EYE COLOR?
Blue

87. SHOE SIZE?
6.5-7

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Lately, Firehouse Subs

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
In Tuscaloosa, Cypress Inn and Hooligan's. In Guntersville, Mama's.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Yesss.

91. WATCH TV TODAY?
Everyday. I can't sit in silence.

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
I love any holiday I get to spend with my family.

93. PLAY(ED) ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
I fiddle with the guitar and piano. Fiddle... get it?

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
I'm a registered Republican, but I don't really consider myself one or the other due to my dislike for politics.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Yes, please.

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Relationships. Duh.

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
Dinner from Firehouse last night.

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?
Only if I was being paid by Bravo.

99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Gone with the Wind, and a plethora of textbooks unfortunately.

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE.
Non-existent.

Teacher's Lounge

There's something kind of nice about being able to use the restroom in the teacher's lounge. Now that I have this golden ticket to a private restroom, the student restrooms seem all the more disgusting to me. However, there is only one teacher's lounge, and it happens to be on the other side of the school. As I walked to the lunchroom earlier, I decided to duck into the nearest restroom instead of fighting the crowds in the hallways to get to the Promised Land.

Whoa. Talk about unwanted. A hush fell as I walked into the restroom. Girls standing in huddles around the mirror gave each other knowing looks and mumbled, "I'll tell you in a minute." Obviously I tripped an invisible alarm as I walked in, alerting all those within: Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Contraband cell phones were stuffed into back pockets with ninja-like speed.

Obviously the bathroom is a sanctuary for note passing and secret telling. My entrance was unexpected because most teachers wouldn't stoop so low: unexpected and unwanted.

My bad, guys. Didn't mean to cramp your style.

Monday Playlist

I'm subbing today-- Geometry, my favorite (sarcasm!)-- and I have first period planning. So while I sit here and prepare, I've got my iTunes on shuffle. I've always been a slave to lyrics, often listening to the same song over and over not because of the beat or catchy refrain, but because of a lyric that expresses what's on my heart... or just makes me smile.

So here's what's up today:

1. Ben Harper- Gold to Me
"you make me wanna sing/ with all the joy you bring/ you look like gold"

2. Kari Jobe- Revelation Song
"Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder/ at the mention of your name/ Jesus, your name is power/ Breath, and living water/ Such a marvelous mystery"

3. John Mayer- Clarity
"But this morning there's a calm I can't explain/ the rock candy's melted, only diamonds now remain"

4. Rilo Kiley- Breakin' Up
"Betrayal is a thorny crown/ you wear it well/ just like a king/ revenge is the saddest thing/ honey, I'm afraid to say/ you deserve everything"

5. Brooke Fraser- Shadowfeet
"When the world has fallen out from under me/ I'll be found in You, still standing/ when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees/ when time and space are through/ I'll be found in You"

6. Jason Mraz- Beautiful Mess
"Although you were biased, I love your advice/ Your comebacks they're quick and probably/ have to do with your insecurities"

7. Taylor Swift- Last Kiss
"You can plan for a change in the weather and time/ But I never planned on you changing your mind."

8. Tim Myers- the Lucky Ones
"Lately I've been smiling outside/ I feel good, I feel light as a feather/ Open up the windows, look out at the sky/ Everything's better"

9. Nickel Creek- This Side
"One day you'll see her and you'll know what I mean/ Take her or leave her, she will still be the same/ She'll not try to buy you with her time/ But nothing's the same as you'll see when she's gone."

10. Otis Redding- Try a Little Tenderness
"You won't regret it, no no/ Some girls they don't forget it/ Love is their only happiness, yeah"

Reality Check.

I usually try not to get involved in football trash talking. I'll be the first to tell you that I don't know enough about the rules and regulations of football to back myself up in an argument. I can't tell you how many times Alabama's been number one versus how many times Auburn's been number one, and I would struggle to talk about either team prior to 2005.

This week-- yesterday, specifically-- our little corner of the Southeast Conference was rocked by news of a so-called NCAA investigation into Cam Newton and his family. I was glad to see the Auburn Family unite and stand together immediately-- really, it gives me chills to think about this special group of people-- but I was equally horrified to see how many people were absolutely giddy to see this happen to a man, a YOUNG man.

I won't lie or pretend to be innocent: I would have trouble stifling my grin if news broke that Greg McElroy were in trouble. But I can say with conviction that I would never stoop to the trash talking as seen on Facebook and in the media. Because Greg, like Cam, is a real person, not just the face of a football team.

When Tim Tebow was on top, it was the same thing. People love to see the mighty fall. Tim Tebow was an outspoken Christian who lived his Christianity out loud and unashamedly, and I frequently listened to fellow Christians belittle him, claiming he was "too good to be true" or that he had "won enough." What is it about the human race that truly can't stand to see others rise above the norm? What a witness Tim Tebow was! Can you imagine how many people looked up those Bible verses he wrote weekly on his face (I'm sure those black stripes have a name, but you know what I'm talking about)? But no, I'm sure he was really a grade-A dirtbag who beat his girlfriend when he got black-out drunk...

**that was sarcasm**

Pardon the detour, but I think Cam is a similar-- but not identical-- situation. Here's a kid (KID) who has messed up in the past and gone on to live an incredible story of redemption. He was given a second chance, and he has earned his stripes on the football field and off. He may never live down his (big) mistake at Florida, but leading an undefeated SEC team is a step in the right direction. And on top of that, he's a genuine nice guy. Why can't we cheer for the nice guy instead of hoping it's all a farce?

Football is a game, albeit a game that I love and that consumes my Saturdays from August to November (and hopefully beyond). But the bottom line is, it's a game. And it's players are real: real people, real kids-- and at risk of being overly corny-- with real feelings.

So to those of you who so dearly want to see a guy in the prime of his life fail, shame on you. Get a hobby. Pick on someone your own size (because I bet you won't pick on Cam face-to-face). And Cam, shake them haters off, big guy.

Rock the Vote

I voted for the first time this summer. It should be noted that this summer I was 22 years old and long past the legal voting age, so shame on me. I've never cared for politics, though. Since I was a child, I've always been a people-pleaser. Disagreements upset me and arguments are divisive, so what exactly would have pulled me into politics in the first place?

At 23, I don't like politics any more than ever before. Even the public figures that I agree with turn me off with their abrasive personalities. Today, as I pulled into vote, one candidate greeted me with a wave in the parking lot while his opponent's team waved signs of their candidate and his young family. That's another thing I hate about politics: someone has to lose. And you know, there's not always a bad guy. Sure, in some situations there's a clear choice; in other races, it's sometimes a matter of picking the lesser of two evils. But every now and then there's a race between two good candidates, each having poured relentless time and energy-- not to mention funds-- into their campaign.

And then there's the smear campaigns: This Candidate is a member of the Ku Klux Klan, This Candidate is endorsed by Adolf Hitler, This Candidate's wife slept with Charlie Manson. And no side is innocent or one more guilty than the other. Every time my television is own, it seems, my living room is filled with one politician or another being blasted by the opposing camp.

And whoa at the signs. My hometown happens to be one of the most beautiful in this great state, and seeing So and So's sign doesn't make me want to re-elect him so much as I want to punch him in the face for being a blemish on my city.

I don't vote liberal because I'm young, and I don't vote conservative because my parents are Republicans. Am I the most responsible voter? Absolutely not: I voted for Young Boozer because he sounds like a good time, and I voted for Twinkle Cavanaugh because her name is delightful. But I do vote now, at the ripe old age of 23, and I guess that's a step in the right direction. Really and truly, I'm just ready to see the campaign trail come to a grinding halt.

the one with all the driving.

In the past week, I've driven several hundred miles. I came home Wednesday to sub on Thursday, drove to Birmingham after school to ride with a friend to Thursday night class, drove back home after class, drove to Arab Friday to do the last part of my interview with my friend from Mexico, drove to Grant Saturday for a Halloween party, rode to Wallace yesterday for 'Little Shop of Horrors' with Erica, and tomorrow I'll drive back to school.

In between all the driving, I painted Halloween t-shirts, ran a 5k, went to Wal-Mart 3 times, ate at Ichiban, Rock House, and Gunter's Landing, went to Trunk or Treat at the church, and finally read another chapter in Gone with the Wind.

What's missing? School work. I did a little work on Thursday while I subbed, but since then my effort has diminished. I just emailed one of my professors, so I'm going to count that as effort since it's a holiday weekend. Sometime today I'm going to start my last multicultural assignment: 7-9 pages-- excluding the cover page, references, and appendices-- describing my interview with my Mexican friend; 4-must-read seminal articles; 4 potential web-based sources, 4 empirically-validated assessment tools (where does one find such things? I wish I knew); and a PowerPoint describing and compressing the previously mentioned requirements.

You'd think with this amount of work in just one class looming over my head, I would be in a rush to get started. Oddly enough, my reaction to this kind of pressure is the opposite. My reaction to an overwhelming workload is, instead, paralysis. I can't get started; I can't even look at it or open a blank Word document. Rather, I'll watch re-runs of 8 Simple Rules to Date My Daughter and write a blog. I will even go to the gym in lieu of facing this assignment.

I might even drive somewhere.