Coming to you from Birmingham, Alabama (not Atlanta, Georgia, as originally planned), listening to Widespread Panic NYE via Sirius XM channel 29 on my computer (not live from Phillips Arena, as originally planned) ...
Let's see if I can remember much of 2013 before these past few months ...
January - Rang in the new year in Auburn, sleeping, with a broken toe. Enjoyed Mo's company the next day, night, and following morning (dinner at Arricia, pedis and lunch at Amsterdam the next day). Went back to Birmingham for a bit. Sold Allie the Acura, bought a minivan that didn't fit in my garage, returned it (thank you, CarMax!) and headed back to Auburn in Mom's car to prepare for League Aid.
February - Got out of the broken toe boot. League Aid. Huge surprise success! Returned to Birmingham, bought a Subaru Forester and cursed the car every time I got in it. Kid Rock concert. (I think some people hadn't left their Y2K shelters since he busted out on the scene.) Finally got down Christmas decorations at the tail end of the month.
March - Ummm ... pretty much consumed with planning for turning 30. And I started shooting whiskey. Straight up. Word.
April - Bought myself a VW Eos for my birthday and it is THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. Saw Dave Matthews Band. Turned 30 (Lakeview pub and street vendor crawl, sleep, Avondale Brewery, Melting Pot with family and close friends, attempted "Mad Men" viewing party). Woke up one morning in a panic due to my apparent biological clock. Got over the panic. Rusted Root concert. Grand hippie road trip to Atlanta - Black Crowes, Widespread Panic x2. Additionally in ATL, ate some good food (Mary Mac's, Daddy D'z), Little Five Points, GA Aquarium, Underground ATL, got drunk with these cool folks on a Botanical Gardens tour. Alice in Chains concert.
May - Tim McGraw concert, Toad the Wet Sprocket concert. Started house hunting, ummmmm... I don't know if I'm going to want to remember the Cigar Bar night or not. That's a good story. It required a couple nights in Auburn to decompress before heading to Knoxville. But before I could go to Knoxville, I had a special night planned with a special friend. The night went horribly awry and there are some crazy pictures to prove it.
June - Wow. At first, it seemed rather uneventful, then I remember how it started. After that horribly awry night, my special friend ended up passed out in my foyer and upon waking up on June 1, we spent a wonderful morning napping off the night before and getting to know each other better. Nothing naughty or scandalous. Just cementing a friendship. I headed off to Knoxville, had to stay the night when I was almost an hour away because the weather was THAT bad. Was totally in my element in Knoxville. And it was hot for once. Two nights of Widespread. Got back to Birmingham and let the house hunt continue ... Lilly acted a slut ... was either drugged or I learned my limit on Fireball the hard way ... house hunt.
July - House hunt. Boy drama. Widespread Panic. Wow. It was awesome! House hunt.
August - Moved out of the townhouse, into Mom's house and storage. Matchbox 20/Goo Goo Dolls concert. Started the final preparations to close on the new place. Spent a lot of time in Auburn this month. Drank a lot. Cursed a lot. Feared a nervous breakdown. Oh, and hello, football season! Joined a pool league.
September - Football. Football. Got a new baby cousin. Mumford & Sons concert. Junior League of Birmingham kicks off. Black Crowes with Space. Closed on house. Made sweet memories. Mom's birthday. Moved out of storage.
October - Widespread in Tuscaloosa. Auburn weekend with Space. Started work on house. Felt like I had a boyfriend for about two weeks. Montgomery for Sarah and Ian's wedding reception. Got sick. Halloween.
November - What?!? Where did October go? Honestly, at this point right now, I would love to have October and the first half of November back. I spent the first half of the month in the throes of rental drama, home repairs stalled, trying to stay warm at night, and just overall stressed. Then Granny died. It was so unexpected and so, so sad. Auburn beat Georgia. Alabama concerts. Auburn moved up two spots on the BCS and didn't even play that week. (That's when I knew something really special was happening.) Thanksgiving. Auburn won the Iron Bowl. And I started to kick a little ass at pool, finally.
December - Auburn won the SEC championship! And Ohio State lost their conference championship! Nana Funks annual Christmas party. Got a pedicure, the pedicurist yanked my formerly broken toe a little too hard, and well, my annual Christmas party, Christmas, got to the podiatrist, and me and my left little toe have come full circle since last year. And that, my friends, is why I am not in Atlanta. I didn't think it wise to be flying solo, bundled up, toting my poster tube across my chest and my Kavu backpack across my back, hobbling around downtown Atlanta on New Year's Eve and braving a concert in the boot.
I think I went to more concerts than I mentioned. I just can't remember them all. Oops :( Concert of the year definitely goes to Alice in Chains. Ohmigosh. That show was so beautiful and energizing! Loved it! Now, I really enjoyed some Widespread, and although I missed a total of six shows I intended to go to, I will have to put Widespread in their own category and say that the Birmingham and Spring Atlanta shows were the best, and there is no way to compare the two to determine which was actually the best show.
Let's see ... advice of the year: if something feels wrong about a house deal, don't go through with it. So much was wrong with other places, and this one really was in the best structural condition, but the negotiation was so not worth it. I said so many times I was over it and done with the deal, and there were so many opportunities for me to get out of it, and I don't think people really took me seriously when I said I didn't want the house any more. I couldn't even take myself seriously. I was so stressed I had no idea whether my decision was based on anxiety or truth. I've only spent three scattered nights in my new place and I had someone spend the night with me. That house is creepy at night and even though things are moving along, I just feel like it's stalled. And I really don't care. Honestly, I am terrified of living by myself in that house and there have been so many painful memories and emotions because of it I am beginning to resent the house a little bit.
So, I had a lot of fun this year, but I also experienced a lot of emotional pain. I'm ready to clean slate this bitch and move forward.
In the new year, I will ...
Be conscientious of how I treat myself. I'm not going to treat myself to mani pedis, massages, nights in hotels, room service, fancy meals, happy hours, retail therapy, etc, just because I had a bad day or week and/or just felt like I needed it. I'll still do all that to a degree, but not justify it as a band aid for the real problems. Instead, I am going to focus on nourishing myself in a positive way. My me-time and personal treats are not going to be mostly empty any more. Since I'm gaining confidence and skill in pool, I am going to pursue that. I am going to keep up with the bass and try to focus more to excel in that. Maybe I'll go back to school. Maybe I'll start going to church. (I really, truly intend to, but I also have intended to since February, and every week, Sunday rolls around, and I'm either out of town or forget what day it is.) Maybe, if I'm not obsessively house hunting, recovering from pneumonia, or experiencing a broken/near broken toe, I'll start working the gym back into my life. Maybe, if I ever feel comfortable in my home, I'll start cooking all those healthy, delicious meals I used to cook, and try a few new dishes out.
Force myself to go to Auburn for at least a few days every month. I'm keeping my "vacation condo" for a reason, and I better put it to good use.
Sell at least one item from Queen B.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Limbo
So, I just have to vent. For once, this isn't about finding a husband or my medical woes. Oddly, I don't feel the urgency or need for those things to be settled right now. It feels good for once, but I guess I have to feel urgency and need about something.
For the past several years, I've been living in two places. It was fun at first, but I longed to be rooted in Auburn. With grandmothers not doing so hot, and always being back in Birmingham, I decided to table the Auburn dream and root back in the 'Ham. My townhouse here never got on the sales market (because there was just no way it would sell at a reasonable price for me), and it never rented out. I considered renting, but let's be real - who would rent to someone with four cats and a dog? Next, I thought about moving back into Mom's house. She pretty much has an apartment in her basement. I offered to do renovations and work to update the basement and make it really nice to live in (it's awesome, just needs some updating), but my brother still lives at her house and that would cut into his music room. All the while, I was peeking on the MLS from time to time, browsing homes for sale.
Last year, I looked at some places. Some were pretty neat, but I really just don't want to live alone right now. It's not that I'm afraid or anything, I just like having people to cook for and be around. I looked at a few places a couple weeks ago and it was a total bust.
This week, I bit the bullet and braved the more expensive homes. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a THIRD home until I get the townhouse figured out, but because the housing market is turning around, homes are higher priced than before, and they are selling quickly, so I feel a little pressure to make my move on something if I like it. I looked at the higher priced homes because I wanted to compare what I would be getting with them against what I would get with the cheaper ones (and I was realizing the amount of money I would spend to update the cheaper ones would come close to costing the price of a more expensive one).
Well, I found a house. I crunched numbers, I took an AWESOME, VERY NICE, VERY INFORMED friend to look at the house yesterday and help me peek around and find ways to justify offering a lower price on the home. We found some problems with it, but all fairly straightforward fixes. I got creative on how to come up with the extra money needed for the higher down payment, and I made an offer. Everyone involved (on my side) was very pleased with the house and excited about the move.
This house was made for me. Open floor plan. garden tub, huge walk-in closet, lots of natural light, awesome basement and other cool features, and not much yard. I researched prices of bumper pool tables and dart board machines, closet built-ins, and wall paper. I made a list of all my furniture and started planning how everything would fit.
Turns out, the house sold yesterday. It was a cash sale, no inspection, barely a contract period (I'm talking a couple of days). I am crushed. The thing is, my best friend from high school and her daughter (my goddaughter) are planning on living with me. This house is a girl's house. It was made for us. And if my townhouse is going to be rented, I have to get the cats out ASAP (because people who don't like cats, and to be fair, are allergic, tend to have extreme reactions to cats having ever been in a house). To get the cats out, I need a place to put them. To have a place to put them, I have to have a place ready to move in. To be ready to move in, I need to have the house painted and any renovations that need to be done, finished to get the cats in. In order to launch my craft business, I need a good workspace, which I don't have in the townhome. In order to start having income, I need to launch my business.
So, back to the title of the post, I'm in limbo. I'm not giving up, but I'm not going to lie: I'm living in complete denial about the house I want. It's still listed as active on the websites, and there's something so shady sounding about the deal, I'm really wanting to believe it's not true. Hopefully, the house will be mine, but I don't want to live in un-reality, either.
It's just a really frustrating time and I am so ready for everything to be settled.
For the past several years, I've been living in two places. It was fun at first, but I longed to be rooted in Auburn. With grandmothers not doing so hot, and always being back in Birmingham, I decided to table the Auburn dream and root back in the 'Ham. My townhouse here never got on the sales market (because there was just no way it would sell at a reasonable price for me), and it never rented out. I considered renting, but let's be real - who would rent to someone with four cats and a dog? Next, I thought about moving back into Mom's house. She pretty much has an apartment in her basement. I offered to do renovations and work to update the basement and make it really nice to live in (it's awesome, just needs some updating), but my brother still lives at her house and that would cut into his music room. All the while, I was peeking on the MLS from time to time, browsing homes for sale.
Last year, I looked at some places. Some were pretty neat, but I really just don't want to live alone right now. It's not that I'm afraid or anything, I just like having people to cook for and be around. I looked at a few places a couple weeks ago and it was a total bust.
This week, I bit the bullet and braved the more expensive homes. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a THIRD home until I get the townhouse figured out, but because the housing market is turning around, homes are higher priced than before, and they are selling quickly, so I feel a little pressure to make my move on something if I like it. I looked at the higher priced homes because I wanted to compare what I would be getting with them against what I would get with the cheaper ones (and I was realizing the amount of money I would spend to update the cheaper ones would come close to costing the price of a more expensive one).
Well, I found a house. I crunched numbers, I took an AWESOME, VERY NICE, VERY INFORMED friend to look at the house yesterday and help me peek around and find ways to justify offering a lower price on the home. We found some problems with it, but all fairly straightforward fixes. I got creative on how to come up with the extra money needed for the higher down payment, and I made an offer. Everyone involved (on my side) was very pleased with the house and excited about the move.
This house was made for me. Open floor plan. garden tub, huge walk-in closet, lots of natural light, awesome basement and other cool features, and not much yard. I researched prices of bumper pool tables and dart board machines, closet built-ins, and wall paper. I made a list of all my furniture and started planning how everything would fit.
Turns out, the house sold yesterday. It was a cash sale, no inspection, barely a contract period (I'm talking a couple of days). I am crushed. The thing is, my best friend from high school and her daughter (my goddaughter) are planning on living with me. This house is a girl's house. It was made for us. And if my townhouse is going to be rented, I have to get the cats out ASAP (because people who don't like cats, and to be fair, are allergic, tend to have extreme reactions to cats having ever been in a house). To get the cats out, I need a place to put them. To have a place to put them, I have to have a place ready to move in. To be ready to move in, I need to have the house painted and any renovations that need to be done, finished to get the cats in. In order to launch my craft business, I need a good workspace, which I don't have in the townhome. In order to start having income, I need to launch my business.
So, back to the title of the post, I'm in limbo. I'm not giving up, but I'm not going to lie: I'm living in complete denial about the house I want. It's still listed as active on the websites, and there's something so shady sounding about the deal, I'm really wanting to believe it's not true. Hopefully, the house will be mine, but I don't want to live in un-reality, either.
It's just a really frustrating time and I am so ready for everything to be settled.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
The people you meet, the places you go
I've met several people on my trip to the ATL area. Most interesting were the people touring botanical gardens all over the United States.
My brother, who had been traveling with me, decided to go back home since he wasn't feeling well. A little bummed, but totally confident, I made my way down to the manager's reception for some snacks and wine. While there, I met the group touring botanical gardens.
It's not an official botanical gardens job, but they do make sure everything is going well and looking good for those of us that enjoy botanicals.
Sounds like a cool job, eh?
Hopefully, they'll holler at me when they get to Birmingham in July and we'll meet up again :)
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My brother, who had been traveling with me, decided to go back home since he wasn't feeling well. A little bummed, but totally confident, I made my way down to the manager's reception for some snacks and wine. While there, I met the group touring botanical gardens.
It's not an official botanical gardens job, but they do make sure everything is going well and looking good for those of us that enjoy botanicals.
Sounds like a cool job, eh?
Hopefully, they'll holler at me when they get to Birmingham in July and we'll meet up again :)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Friday, April 26, 2013
How much of a spreadhead am I now?
Next, I circled the ones I really wanted to hear and had a good chance of play. Would you know that I got 4 so far? ("Pigeons," "Send Your Mind," "Little Kin," and "Red Hot Mama") I think that's pretty cool. And several were played that were on the master list, but not circled.
So, let's see ... I've traveled to see WP twice so far, I have the ink, I spend about $100/year on tshirts and memorabilia, and I make friends at the shows. The first song I figured out by ear to play on the bass was "Imitation Leather Shoes." I even own several DVDs of shows so I can watch when I'm not seeing them live.
I guess all that's left on the WP bucket list is: be a roadie, take my kids to a show, have them play at my wedding (and other applicable major events), go on tour with the band and crew, finish the tattoo, and see "Bears Gone Fishing," "Fishing," "Sparks Fly," and "Climb to Safety."
I can't wait for tomorrow night!
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
Musings
Yesterday, I had a palm reading at Underground Atlanta.
Being a Christian, it took me a long time to get up the nerve to get a tarot reading, but I voiced my concerns to my first "reader" and she was really cool and respectful. What was supposed to be a 20 minute session turned into an hour because my cards were just really cool. I don't do it to see the future, but to sort out my emotions. If you don't understand what I mean by this and how it's possible to be a Christian and justify fortune telling (for a general purpose term), all I can say is you just have to do it for entertainment purposes to see what I mean. I don't dwell on what they see in my future, but I focus on my question at hand (usually, "WTF am I doing and what should I be doing?") and see what the cards "say." Depending on their "answer," I ponder my feelings about it - not as if it's written in stone, but as a way to explore different paths. It's really hard to explain, but I can say that an hour with tarot cards goes a lot farther than $150 and 50 minutes with a therapist.
Anyway ... So, I got my palms read for the first time yesterday. My reader said I was a creative person and very caring towards others, that I worry too much and I don't write enough, even though I have a talent for it. She also said I wouldn't get married and I wouldn't have kids, so I'm not dwelling on that part. I do believe I have a higher purpose in a relationship, so I'm not sweating it.
But the reading got me thinking. All that stuff about my personality and character was true. I am deeply creative and I used to write all the time (as in I was always journaling). I have a blog that I never update. So, maybe that was my kick in the ass I needed to keep this little project up. It doesn't have to be the story of my life, I just need to share what's on my mind, serious or random.
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Being a Christian, it took me a long time to get up the nerve to get a tarot reading, but I voiced my concerns to my first "reader" and she was really cool and respectful. What was supposed to be a 20 minute session turned into an hour because my cards were just really cool. I don't do it to see the future, but to sort out my emotions. If you don't understand what I mean by this and how it's possible to be a Christian and justify fortune telling (for a general purpose term), all I can say is you just have to do it for entertainment purposes to see what I mean. I don't dwell on what they see in my future, but I focus on my question at hand (usually, "WTF am I doing and what should I be doing?") and see what the cards "say." Depending on their "answer," I ponder my feelings about it - not as if it's written in stone, but as a way to explore different paths. It's really hard to explain, but I can say that an hour with tarot cards goes a lot farther than $150 and 50 minutes with a therapist.
Anyway ... So, I got my palms read for the first time yesterday. My reader said I was a creative person and very caring towards others, that I worry too much and I don't write enough, even though I have a talent for it. She also said I wouldn't get married and I wouldn't have kids, so I'm not dwelling on that part. I do believe I have a higher purpose in a relationship, so I'm not sweating it.
But the reading got me thinking. All that stuff about my personality and character was true. I am deeply creative and I used to write all the time (as in I was always journaling). I have a blog that I never update. So, maybe that was my kick in the ass I needed to keep this little project up. It doesn't have to be the story of my life, I just need to share what's on my mind, serious or random.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Operation: Get Yo' Hippie On 2013 v1.0
I've been in Atlanta for 24 hours!
Brother and I met in Auburn, hopped on the shuttle bus, and got in yesterday evening. I still don't do well on the MARTA. That thing is freaky, with the wobbling and all. Ugh!
We had dinner at Mary Mac's, and it did not disappoint. Why is there not truly good soul food in Alabama? I had chicken fingers, mac n cheese, green beans, and squash souffle. Omnomnom. :) Also, the pot likker actually made collards look appetizing to me, and I enjoyed it.
This morning, we went to Little 5 Points so I could check out the Bohemian district. (What would a hippie trip be without a trip to see the bohos?) We ate lunch at the Vortex, after I netted $47 on the lotto. Holla!
I wanted to see the Margaret Mitchell house, but the shuttle bus driver was being a dick and wouldn't take me there (um, it's 1/10 of a mile outside of your area, drop me as close as you can get). WTF?!?
Tonight is the Black Crowes and I think we're going to Ted's Montana Grill before for dinner.
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Brother and I met in Auburn, hopped on the shuttle bus, and got in yesterday evening. I still don't do well on the MARTA. That thing is freaky, with the wobbling and all. Ugh!
We had dinner at Mary Mac's, and it did not disappoint. Why is there not truly good soul food in Alabama? I had chicken fingers, mac n cheese, green beans, and squash souffle. Omnomnom. :) Also, the pot likker actually made collards look appetizing to me, and I enjoyed it.
This morning, we went to Little 5 Points so I could check out the Bohemian district. (What would a hippie trip be without a trip to see the bohos?) We ate lunch at the Vortex, after I netted $47 on the lotto. Holla!
I wanted to see the Margaret Mitchell house, but the shuttle bus driver was being a dick and wouldn't take me there (um, it's 1/10 of a mile outside of your area, drop me as close as you can get). WTF?!?
Tonight is the Black Crowes and I think we're going to Ted's Montana Grill before for dinner.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Rusted Root
Back in February or so, a little bird let it spill that Rusted Root would be at Iron City in Birmingham sometime in April. That was probably the best news, musically, in a long time. Because I haven't seen Rusted Root since I was 16! It was a very chill show, not high energy and super-tribal like I remember them way back when. I heard several of my favorites and it was a night I will not regret.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Dave Matthews Band
My last night of my 20's was spent with Dave Matthews Band at Oak Mountain Ampitheatre. It wasn't no Widespread, Tom Petty, or Crue, but grooving to "Jimi Thing" and ending with "Ants Marching" was pretty cool :)
Good ol' Alan was my "date" for the night and I officially turned 30 on Highway 31 in Homewood, on our way to Nana Funks for a celebratory birthday drink. As it turned out, 2 Good People Browns, 1 shot of Crown, and 1 Royal Flush Shooter, all after midnight, but with a comfortably full stomach, did not for a good birthday make. Talk about a hangover! (The slice from, er, Slice, and the hot dog with grilled onions from Paul's hot dog stand were amaze-balls, BTW.)
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Swan song of my 20's
Y'all, it's happening. This is the last full week before I turn 30. Twenties, I had some grand plans for you.
I thought I'd be married and have half a litter of babies by now. (I could go through the list of the guys I thought I would be married to and all the baby names, but, honestly, a couple of those guys I'd like to erase from my history, and the baby names are still possibilities, so I'm not burying those yet. Speaking of burying the dream, I'm giving myself until 40 before I get rid of the baby things I have stored away for when that day comes. Unless my thirties blesses me with regenerated youth I lost in my twenties, I don't see myself with itsy-bitsies at 40. Right now, it's just not for me.)
I thought I'd be a teacher, politician, non-profit director, small business owner, professor, lawyer, massage therapist, and probably a gazillion other things. (Technically, I am a small business owner, it's just not doing any business since I'm too busy with volunteer work and family and friends, and in the interest of full disclosure, traveling when I can, to actually launch. And, I am in leadership positions, so that's a start in politics.)
Seven years ago, I decided if the Space-man and I were still together, we would take a cruise to Europe, fiddle-dee-dee around there for a few months and cruise back. For his 50th and my 30th. Honestly, that's okay. He's a great friend and all, but I'm glad I had the wherewithal to finally end things with him after he told me he would marry me, then, after the fact, was "blessed" with a convenient bout of "alcohol-induced amnesia". Yes, that's really what happened. I'm going to say it, once and for all, I was the best thing that ever happened to him and he let his issues with believing he doesn't deserve anything get in the way of us. (And, OMG, I feel so good right now, putting that out there. It's not exactly a huge secret, but it's not like anyone has actually said it, in those words, yet.)
Here's the thing I struggle with: my health issues. Six years ago, I was at the point where I was so nauseated, I would rather hang out by the toilet than go to class. It was ugly. And pathetic. And sad. Really, really, sad. The best thing to come out of it all was I do what I want and I am more assertive than ever. I live when I feel like it. I might be a flaky person with no direction, a jane-of-all-trades, a master of none, but it's kind of okay. I put what I knew about being assertive to work. I might battle nausea nearly daily and I might have crazy food intolerances that make going to the grocery store exhausting, but honestly, it just sucks. I'm over it. The nausea, fatigue, pain, weakness, the surgery scars (both physical and mental), constant monitoring of my stress and where my phenergan is, which doctor to see now, which doctor appointment when, now the reflux. I. AM. OVER. IT. There is no diagnosis, just managing the symptoms.
Yeah, I have two homes, a loving family, great friends, a stellar volunteer career. I've read, I've traveled around the Southeast a little bit. I buy what inspires me. I have a closet full of clothes, shoes, and accessories I never wear, and definitely don't need. I have four cats and a dog. I have storage units with furniture, home decor, party supplies, art supplies, whatever. I have books to read for the next decade (or year ... haha!). I am passionate about healthcare advocacy. But none of that will ever, ever, ever, EVER give me my 20's back.
I could say I would give up ever getting married or being a mommy to have my health, but, honestly, that's not true. Because if I felt well, I would definitely want those things more than ever because I'd really feel how much I was missing them. I can tell you though, if I just had one home, my animals, my friends and family, my books and art supplies, my Barbie collection, just enough furniture and decor to furnish the home, and just enough of a wardrobe to have clothes for two weeks each season, I would totally give up the extra possessions to feel better.
Most of my friends are past 30, and even 40. Some past 50 and 60. Turning 30 isn't a big deal. It's that I was robbed of my 20's due to illness. And an illness with no name, and no cure, at that. When there is no diagnosis, there is no path to follow for treatment. It is guess and check all the way. And all that guessing and checking is exhausting.
I'm going to tell you this, if your 20's are supposed to suck compared to your 30's, bring it on, 30. And I don't want to even think about or need phenergan or doctors' appointments ever again.
I thought I'd be married and have half a litter of babies by now. (I could go through the list of the guys I thought I would be married to and all the baby names, but, honestly, a couple of those guys I'd like to erase from my history, and the baby names are still possibilities, so I'm not burying those yet. Speaking of burying the dream, I'm giving myself until 40 before I get rid of the baby things I have stored away for when that day comes. Unless my thirties blesses me with regenerated youth I lost in my twenties, I don't see myself with itsy-bitsies at 40. Right now, it's just not for me.)
I thought I'd be a teacher, politician, non-profit director, small business owner, professor, lawyer, massage therapist, and probably a gazillion other things. (Technically, I am a small business owner, it's just not doing any business since I'm too busy with volunteer work and family and friends, and in the interest of full disclosure, traveling when I can, to actually launch. And, I am in leadership positions, so that's a start in politics.)
Seven years ago, I decided if the Space-man and I were still together, we would take a cruise to Europe, fiddle-dee-dee around there for a few months and cruise back. For his 50th and my 30th. Honestly, that's okay. He's a great friend and all, but I'm glad I had the wherewithal to finally end things with him after he told me he would marry me, then, after the fact, was "blessed" with a convenient bout of "alcohol-induced amnesia". Yes, that's really what happened. I'm going to say it, once and for all, I was the best thing that ever happened to him and he let his issues with believing he doesn't deserve anything get in the way of us. (And, OMG, I feel so good right now, putting that out there. It's not exactly a huge secret, but it's not like anyone has actually said it, in those words, yet.)
Here's the thing I struggle with: my health issues. Six years ago, I was at the point where I was so nauseated, I would rather hang out by the toilet than go to class. It was ugly. And pathetic. And sad. Really, really, sad. The best thing to come out of it all was I do what I want and I am more assertive than ever. I live when I feel like it. I might be a flaky person with no direction, a jane-of-all-trades, a master of none, but it's kind of okay. I put what I knew about being assertive to work. I might battle nausea nearly daily and I might have crazy food intolerances that make going to the grocery store exhausting, but honestly, it just sucks. I'm over it. The nausea, fatigue, pain, weakness, the surgery scars (both physical and mental), constant monitoring of my stress and where my phenergan is, which doctor to see now, which doctor appointment when, now the reflux. I. AM. OVER. IT. There is no diagnosis, just managing the symptoms.
Yeah, I have two homes, a loving family, great friends, a stellar volunteer career. I've read, I've traveled around the Southeast a little bit. I buy what inspires me. I have a closet full of clothes, shoes, and accessories I never wear, and definitely don't need. I have four cats and a dog. I have storage units with furniture, home decor, party supplies, art supplies, whatever. I have books to read for the next decade (or year ... haha!). I am passionate about healthcare advocacy. But none of that will ever, ever, ever, EVER give me my 20's back.
I could say I would give up ever getting married or being a mommy to have my health, but, honestly, that's not true. Because if I felt well, I would definitely want those things more than ever because I'd really feel how much I was missing them. I can tell you though, if I just had one home, my animals, my friends and family, my books and art supplies, my Barbie collection, just enough furniture and decor to furnish the home, and just enough of a wardrobe to have clothes for two weeks each season, I would totally give up the extra possessions to feel better.
Most of my friends are past 30, and even 40. Some past 50 and 60. Turning 30 isn't a big deal. It's that I was robbed of my 20's due to illness. And an illness with no name, and no cure, at that. When there is no diagnosis, there is no path to follow for treatment. It is guess and check all the way. And all that guessing and checking is exhausting.
I'm going to tell you this, if your 20's are supposed to suck compared to your 30's, bring it on, 30. And I don't want to even think about or need phenergan or doctors' appointments ever again.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Not enough hours in a day, days in a week
I used to be all kinds of organized and on top of everything. My day planner went with me everywhere (and my ENT would make fun of me and tell me to lighten up when he saw it) and it was actually filled out.
I think things started going downhill when I got sick. When I had more doctors to visit than just he ENT. I didn't have much on the calendar back then, considering I was usually hanging out at home, in bed, on the sofa, or by the toilet.I got sick of feeling sick everyday, so I did my best to just chug through it. If I was going to feel like crap everyday, I might as well feel like crap while doing something productive. So, I ended up with three jobs. And, someway, I was still fairly organized.
Then I had surgery, decided to move to Auburn, lived in both Auburn and Birmingham for three and a half years and here I am, absolutely out of control. (Or so it feels.)
My day planner still goes with me most places, but remembering to put things in it or consult it ... yeah, right.
The sad thing about this is it's just me and the animals I have to wrangle these days. No kids, no multiple jobs, just me. And for some reason, I can't get it together. I know putting a stamped envelope in the mail is pretty simple and will take less than a minute, but remembering to is a whole different story.
I'm a hot mess, but I'm working on it.
I would like to blame it on being overwhelmed. Social networking, the internet, Brickbreaker on the BlackBerry, television to catch up on - they're all much more exciting than sitting down and filing. But I have to get back into a regular schedule and get all kinds of OCD again.
I'm sorry world, but loopy, crazy, right brained Paige is having to go back to her old ways. I'm just not getting anything done.
Anyone else have this problem? I mean, it sounds simple, right? Go to bed by 10, wake up at 6, shower, get ready, feed the pup, take her to daycare, run errands, put away the goods, tidy the messes, work, pick up the dog, feed the dog, relax, repeat. Right? But for some reason, it just doesn't get done. My dishwasher has been backed up for a couple of weeks, I called a plumber, neither of us called the other back, and I still haven't gotten my dishwasher fixed. What is freaking wrong with me?
I think things started going downhill when I got sick. When I had more doctors to visit than just he ENT. I didn't have much on the calendar back then, considering I was usually hanging out at home, in bed, on the sofa, or by the toilet.I got sick of feeling sick everyday, so I did my best to just chug through it. If I was going to feel like crap everyday, I might as well feel like crap while doing something productive. So, I ended up with three jobs. And, someway, I was still fairly organized.
Then I had surgery, decided to move to Auburn, lived in both Auburn and Birmingham for three and a half years and here I am, absolutely out of control. (Or so it feels.)
My day planner still goes with me most places, but remembering to put things in it or consult it ... yeah, right.
The sad thing about this is it's just me and the animals I have to wrangle these days. No kids, no multiple jobs, just me. And for some reason, I can't get it together. I know putting a stamped envelope in the mail is pretty simple and will take less than a minute, but remembering to is a whole different story.
I'm a hot mess, but I'm working on it.
I would like to blame it on being overwhelmed. Social networking, the internet, Brickbreaker on the BlackBerry, television to catch up on - they're all much more exciting than sitting down and filing. But I have to get back into a regular schedule and get all kinds of OCD again.
I'm sorry world, but loopy, crazy, right brained Paige is having to go back to her old ways. I'm just not getting anything done.
Anyone else have this problem? I mean, it sounds simple, right? Go to bed by 10, wake up at 6, shower, get ready, feed the pup, take her to daycare, run errands, put away the goods, tidy the messes, work, pick up the dog, feed the dog, relax, repeat. Right? But for some reason, it just doesn't get done. My dishwasher has been backed up for a couple of weeks, I called a plumber, neither of us called the other back, and I still haven't gotten my dishwasher fixed. What is freaking wrong with me?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Places to live, vacations to take: The List
Number 7 on the 30x30 is make a list of places to live and vacations to take. This will be an ever-changing list, and it's not meant to mean I need to live/vacation to every place on the list if I end up not wanting to, it's just the running list of places to choose from. Here goes!
Places to live:
1. Gainesville, FL (check into sinkholes)
2. Nearly anywhere on 30A (Florida)
3. Huntsville, AL
4. Knoxville, TN
5. Boston, MA
6. France
Vacations to take:
1. NOLA
2. Great WP road trip
3. Elizabethtown, KY (unless a certain family moves ...)
4. Washington, DC
5. Road trip all over the East Coast with the future kiddos
6. Martha's Vineyard
7. Eastern Caribbean cruise(s)
8. Cruise to Europe and back, stopping in Europe for a while (Greece, France, Italy, Netherlands, wherever else I might want to go)
Places to live:
1. Gainesville, FL (check into sinkholes)
2. Nearly anywhere on 30A (Florida)
3. Huntsville, AL
4. Knoxville, TN
5. Boston, MA
6. France
Vacations to take:
1. NOLA
2. Great WP road trip
3. Elizabethtown, KY (unless a certain family moves ...)
4. Washington, DC
5. Road trip all over the East Coast with the future kiddos
6. Martha's Vineyard
7. Eastern Caribbean cruise(s)
8. Cruise to Europe and back, stopping in Europe for a while (Greece, France, Italy, Netherlands, wherever else I might want to go)
Monday, March 4, 2013
30 x 30 Revisited
Several months ago, before work got nut-so (or maybe before starting work), I made a rather ambitious 30 x 30 list. With four weeks and six days to go, and a lot having changed since that list, I need to revamp it a bit. And get my tail in gear. (Words in purple are the former list item.)
1. Cook in a professional kitchen - April 2011, Guest chef at Rags'
2. Join Junior League - August 2010, Junior League of Lee County
3. Travel to see Widespread Panic - September 2011, Knoxville
4. Become a doula - Spring 2010
5. Begin childbirth educator courses Former: Become a childbirth educator
6. See Elton John
7. Make a list of places I would like to live and vacations to take
8. Create business plans for future business ventures, and map out a career plan
9. Have awesome concert tickets - done!
10. See Mickey Hart Band - April 2012
11. Go to a music festival outside of Birmingham - October 2012, Harvest Moon Festival, Callaway Gardens
12. Get away, somewhere, for at least a weekend. Auburn doesn't count. Former: Go on a vacation to Callaway Gardens
13. Put more effort into my appearance
14. Adopt a healthier lifestyle, honor my body
15. See as many concerts as possible
16. See Jimmy Buffett and do the tailgate
17. Start writing a book.
18. Embrace the final 30 days of my 20's and celebrate
19. Get a dog - March 2012
20. Be assertive, not bitch-y
21. Do a total spa day (massage, hair, nails, makeup)
22. Have a fabulous 30th birthday party Former: Celebrate the 30th at the beach with an Arabian Nights themed party (alternative plan: private)
23. Take on a great charity project and complete it
24. Get organized, once and for all Former: Establish and follow a wonderful organizational/filing system, a financial plan, start retirement fund, sort out wardrobe
25. Commit to a city
26. Launch a business
27. Start the Porsche fund
28. Embrace a new hobby - Bass guitar
29. Get some more ink!
30. Start the next bucket list Former: Get out of the townhome. Let that baby go! (Unless Highland Park gets rid of the riff raff.)
5. Begin childbirth educator courses Former: Become a childbirth educator
6. See Elton John
7. Make a list of places I would like to live and vacations to take
8. Create business plans for future business ventures, and map out a career plan
12. Get away, somewhere, for at least a weekend. Auburn doesn't count. Former: Go on a vacation to Callaway Gardens
14. Adopt a healthier lifestyle, honor my body
15. See as many concerts as possible
17. Start writing a book.
18. Embrace the final 30 days of my 20's and celebrate
21. Do a total spa day (massage, hair, nails, makeup)
22. Have a fabulous 30th birthday party Former: Celebrate the 30th at the beach with an Arabian Nights themed party (alternative plan: private)
23. Take on a great charity project and complete it
24. Get organized, once and for all Former: Establish and follow a wonderful organizational/filing system, a financial plan, start retirement fund, sort out wardrobe
26. Launch a business
27. Start the Porsche fund
29. Get some more ink!
30. Start the next bucket list Former: Get out of the townhome. Let that baby go! (Unless Highland Park gets rid of the riff raff.)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
A follow-up
After last week's purge regarding my thoughts on sex and relationships, I feel like I have to follow it up with something. After all, something started happening, and then it didn't. (Sorry for the spoiler.)
So, I started messaging with a guy. We exchanged numbers. We talked. We texted. We made plans to meet. I freaked the fudge out! I'm talking about-to-get-on-an-airplane or about-to-have-surgery tears and shaking. My good friend talked me down and I pulled myself together and got all dolled up (well, as dolled up as appropriate for a mid-range chain restaurant), and went to my bass lesson. And that's when I got the text that he had to cancel on me. Honestly, I was relieved, but I was so angry, too. I mean, I put an effort into what I would wear so I looked nice, but not too nice for the restaurant. I put an effort into my makeup. And I dressed up quit a bit more than I would prefer to go to bass class (there's always a bunch of guys hanging out there, but I'm going for the bass lesson, not the dating). While it was some notice, it was pretty much last minute notice since I had to get ready before bass class.
Looking all classy and cool like I did, I had to go out, and so I did. I hit up Kelley's, then went to Courtyard. I got popcorn, salsa, the best wings EVER, and a couple of Andygators (my new obsession).
This brought on some flashbacks to about twelve years ago, when I had been chatting with this guy on AOL for a few months. It turned out he worked with one of my classmates on a fundraiser, so it wasn't SO intimidating, meeting someone online and all. We chatted, we emailed, we talked, we made plans. And the day of the date, he cancelled on me. While I think it was for the best since I was so young back then, nd he was a few years older, the event still haunts me.
See, I've never really dated anyone.
Everyone I recount this to says it counts as a date, but I didn't quite get it, and it was so last minute, I don't really count it, but I guess, technically, my first real date (non-formal, regular kind of evening date) was the summer before my senior year of high school. We went to a Mitch Hedburg show. How's that for an awesome first-date-ever story? :)
Then there was that AOL guy.
And then there was college. I always called them best friends dates because we were best friends, and one time I had to borrow my old neighbor from his girlfriend, and this one time another old neighbor and I hung out all day and made dinner plans and he kept trying to pay for everything, and I didn't know what to think of it all, so I out drank him until he passed out. I used to be good at that.
And there was the time I met up with this guy I was talking to every night to "hang out."
Looking back, maybe "hang out" was code word for a date?
But the first date that I really count was with one of my old bartenders. It all just kind of happened, and it's kind of a crazy story, but we went to Surin West for dinner on my birthday. And then he went crazy. After I was letting my guard down with him and all ...
And then there was Space. Our first official date (we just kind of happened, and I guess we fell instantly in like and got to know each other for an entire weekend before he realized the error of his ways and took me on a real date) was to Surin West, of course. And that relationship stuck because he didn't like cocaine more than he liked me.
And I haven't dated anyone since Space. And it's time. It's been two, almost two and a half, years. We were together for five. It. Is. So. Time.
And I think I have decided to going back to dating the old fashioned way, even though it wasn't working out. Meeting someone in person is so much better because you can instantly gauge chemistry, and when you know the chemistry is there, and you've already faced this person in real life, things aren't so scary as when you're about to go on that date with the person you've never met.
While I can do without the butterflies, it's nice to know they are there because you know the person is special. Maybe they won't end up being special enough, but it means there's something worth checking out.
So, I started messaging with a guy. We exchanged numbers. We talked. We texted. We made plans to meet. I freaked the fudge out! I'm talking about-to-get-on-an-airplane or about-to-have-surgery tears and shaking. My good friend talked me down and I pulled myself together and got all dolled up (well, as dolled up as appropriate for a mid-range chain restaurant), and went to my bass lesson. And that's when I got the text that he had to cancel on me. Honestly, I was relieved, but I was so angry, too. I mean, I put an effort into what I would wear so I looked nice, but not too nice for the restaurant. I put an effort into my makeup. And I dressed up quit a bit more than I would prefer to go to bass class (there's always a bunch of guys hanging out there, but I'm going for the bass lesson, not the dating). While it was some notice, it was pretty much last minute notice since I had to get ready before bass class.
Looking all classy and cool like I did, I had to go out, and so I did. I hit up Kelley's, then went to Courtyard. I got popcorn, salsa, the best wings EVER, and a couple of Andygators (my new obsession).
This brought on some flashbacks to about twelve years ago, when I had been chatting with this guy on AOL for a few months. It turned out he worked with one of my classmates on a fundraiser, so it wasn't SO intimidating, meeting someone online and all. We chatted, we emailed, we talked, we made plans. And the day of the date, he cancelled on me. While I think it was for the best since I was so young back then, nd he was a few years older, the event still haunts me.
See, I've never really dated anyone.
Everyone I recount this to says it counts as a date, but I didn't quite get it, and it was so last minute, I don't really count it, but I guess, technically, my first real date (non-formal, regular kind of evening date) was the summer before my senior year of high school. We went to a Mitch Hedburg show. How's that for an awesome first-date-ever story? :)
Then there was that AOL guy.
And then there was college. I always called them best friends dates because we were best friends, and one time I had to borrow my old neighbor from his girlfriend, and this one time another old neighbor and I hung out all day and made dinner plans and he kept trying to pay for everything, and I didn't know what to think of it all, so I out drank him until he passed out. I used to be good at that.
And there was the time I met up with this guy I was talking to every night to "hang out."
Looking back, maybe "hang out" was code word for a date?
But the first date that I really count was with one of my old bartenders. It all just kind of happened, and it's kind of a crazy story, but we went to Surin West for dinner on my birthday. And then he went crazy. After I was letting my guard down with him and all ...
And then there was Space. Our first official date (we just kind of happened, and I guess we fell instantly in like and got to know each other for an entire weekend before he realized the error of his ways and took me on a real date) was to Surin West, of course. And that relationship stuck because he didn't like cocaine more than he liked me.
And I haven't dated anyone since Space. And it's time. It's been two, almost two and a half, years. We were together for five. It. Is. So. Time.
And I think I have decided to going back to dating the old fashioned way, even though it wasn't working out. Meeting someone in person is so much better because you can instantly gauge chemistry, and when you know the chemistry is there, and you've already faced this person in real life, things aren't so scary as when you're about to go on that date with the person you've never met.
While I can do without the butterflies, it's nice to know they are there because you know the person is special. Maybe they won't end up being special enough, but it means there's something worth checking out.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Sex and the Single Girl
Yesterday, I posted this on Facebook: "This might be why I'm 29 and single (and if
this is why, I will be happily single for as long as it takes), but why
does it seem that every possible romantic relationship these days is
founded on sex? Why can't we build up to that instead of being expected
to start with it?"
Now, before people start accusing me of being a prude, or being old fashioned, hear me out.
I do the dating website thing, I am open to new opportunities, everyone knows I am looking for a relationship (although I think most of my single friends don't quite understand me since they are single by choice). I am surrounded by sex - television, movies, music, advertising, books, friends' conquests, and getting hit on in the most vulgar of ways. And then there are the seemingly nice guys who are all talk and no action. Where is the balance? And being surrounded by so much sex, it makes the stubborn side of me rear its head and I stand my ground.
I'm not going to have sex with a guy before or on the first date thinking it's going to get me into a relationship. If I did, this sends the message that sex is so important to the relationship that our sexual capabilities are the most integral part to the relationship. When the guys on the dating website, or who hit on me by asking me to take them home or to go home with them or something else way worse, that puts sex too quickly into the possible relationship for me. Having sex with someone, just to have sex is wasting my time. If I want a real relationship, and I'm not going to settle on someone good enough, why would I settle for an empty physical symbol of a relationship?
When sex is the foundation for a relationship, and nothing else replaces it as the foundation, what will happen when, and if, God forbid, something happens so that we can't have sex? What if one, or both, of us is disabled in a way so that we can't have sex? What if we have to be apart for an extended amount of time?
If we have nothing else in common that we are equally passionate about, how do we continue the relationship when sex can no longer be a part of it?
Yes, I believe the act of sex is an integral part to a relationship. However, I think of it as symbolic of the mutual intimacy, love, and all those good relationship things, we feel for each other. Sex does not equal love, intimacy, respect, trust, admiration, etc. It is a physical act that can express those feelings, but it does not equal them. It's also one of those things that, given extenuating circumstances, is not 100% crucial to having a healthy relationship. Thankfully, there are several ways you and your partner can express your feelings for one another.
I'm looking for a husband. I'm not looking for a husband so I can have a wedding (although, I would like to celebrate the milestone with loved ones). I'm not looking for a husband to validate me as a human. I'm looking for a husband so I may be a part of a marriage. I desire a partner to share the experience of life. Yeah, I can do it on my own, and with miscellaneous other people, but I want the total package, the commitment. I want the freaking fairy tale, and I 100% deserve it.
Relationships are kind of like that rule of physics, where a body in motion will stay in motion until acted on by an outside force. Outside forces affect the relationship, and it's up to the couple to be a team and overcome the outside forces so the couple may maintain their motion, or their relationship. If one of the partners always carries the weight of the relationship and the other always takes a more passive role, the relationship is weakened over time because the passive partner isn't building strength to overcome the force and the dominant partner grows weary after a while, and loses strength. It doesn't mean that equality must always be maintained in the relationship, but there must be a fair balance to the equilibrium of the relationship.
The other side to the rule of physics I am writing about is a body at rest will stay at rest until acted on by an outside force. When the relationship settles into a regular routine, outside forces can easily disturb it because the partners have both become lazy. While equilibrium is maintained, it can be rather hard to overcome the forces when you forget how to work for it.
Because relationships are constantly affected by outside forces, they must remain in motion, each partner always working as a team, as balanced as possible, to overcome the outside forces. It's impossible for each partner of the couple to fiercely maintain their independence because it takes power away from the couple itself.
While my last relationship didn't work out, it was a great learning experience. I gained a great friend, discovered I am capable of long term commitment, and know that in my next relationship, I have to have someone dedicated to working on the relationship, as it evolves. I also learned how sex fits into a relationship. Sex seems like just the tip of the iceberg to the physics of a relationship, and I don't want to start a relationship off by building it too top heavy because it is bound to collapse at some point.
Now, before people start accusing me of being a prude, or being old fashioned, hear me out.
I do the dating website thing, I am open to new opportunities, everyone knows I am looking for a relationship (although I think most of my single friends don't quite understand me since they are single by choice). I am surrounded by sex - television, movies, music, advertising, books, friends' conquests, and getting hit on in the most vulgar of ways. And then there are the seemingly nice guys who are all talk and no action. Where is the balance? And being surrounded by so much sex, it makes the stubborn side of me rear its head and I stand my ground.
I'm not going to have sex with a guy before or on the first date thinking it's going to get me into a relationship. If I did, this sends the message that sex is so important to the relationship that our sexual capabilities are the most integral part to the relationship. When the guys on the dating website, or who hit on me by asking me to take them home or to go home with them or something else way worse, that puts sex too quickly into the possible relationship for me. Having sex with someone, just to have sex is wasting my time. If I want a real relationship, and I'm not going to settle on someone good enough, why would I settle for an empty physical symbol of a relationship?
When sex is the foundation for a relationship, and nothing else replaces it as the foundation, what will happen when, and if, God forbid, something happens so that we can't have sex? What if one, or both, of us is disabled in a way so that we can't have sex? What if we have to be apart for an extended amount of time?
If we have nothing else in common that we are equally passionate about, how do we continue the relationship when sex can no longer be a part of it?
Yes, I believe the act of sex is an integral part to a relationship. However, I think of it as symbolic of the mutual intimacy, love, and all those good relationship things, we feel for each other. Sex does not equal love, intimacy, respect, trust, admiration, etc. It is a physical act that can express those feelings, but it does not equal them. It's also one of those things that, given extenuating circumstances, is not 100% crucial to having a healthy relationship. Thankfully, there are several ways you and your partner can express your feelings for one another.
I'm looking for a husband. I'm not looking for a husband so I can have a wedding (although, I would like to celebrate the milestone with loved ones). I'm not looking for a husband to validate me as a human. I'm looking for a husband so I may be a part of a marriage. I desire a partner to share the experience of life. Yeah, I can do it on my own, and with miscellaneous other people, but I want the total package, the commitment. I want the freaking fairy tale, and I 100% deserve it.
Relationships are kind of like that rule of physics, where a body in motion will stay in motion until acted on by an outside force. Outside forces affect the relationship, and it's up to the couple to be a team and overcome the outside forces so the couple may maintain their motion, or their relationship. If one of the partners always carries the weight of the relationship and the other always takes a more passive role, the relationship is weakened over time because the passive partner isn't building strength to overcome the force and the dominant partner grows weary after a while, and loses strength. It doesn't mean that equality must always be maintained in the relationship, but there must be a fair balance to the equilibrium of the relationship.
The other side to the rule of physics I am writing about is a body at rest will stay at rest until acted on by an outside force. When the relationship settles into a regular routine, outside forces can easily disturb it because the partners have both become lazy. While equilibrium is maintained, it can be rather hard to overcome the forces when you forget how to work for it.
Because relationships are constantly affected by outside forces, they must remain in motion, each partner always working as a team, as balanced as possible, to overcome the outside forces. It's impossible for each partner of the couple to fiercely maintain their independence because it takes power away from the couple itself.
While my last relationship didn't work out, it was a great learning experience. I gained a great friend, discovered I am capable of long term commitment, and know that in my next relationship, I have to have someone dedicated to working on the relationship, as it evolves. I also learned how sex fits into a relationship. Sex seems like just the tip of the iceberg to the physics of a relationship, and I don't want to start a relationship off by building it too top heavy because it is bound to collapse at some point.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Little Party that Could
Last year, when I decided to put myself out there for Arrangements chair/co-chair for the Junior League of Lee County, I knew I would be in charge of our annual party. In years past, we did a Masquerade Ball, which was always fun, but interest was decreasing, so my group had to revitalize the annual party and do something big with it ... and all on a tight budget.
We started planning in the summer, deciding we would do an 80's theme party, in October we started working on our vision, in early December we had a date, location, and band, and in early January, with 5 weeks to go, we started the decorations, promotions, and menu.
And it happened, and many people attended, and many people had fun, and we raised a good chunk of money for child health and wellness programs in Lee County.
I have no pictures because I didn't have time to take any, but suffice it to say I was met with some cynicism and negative attitudes, but we did it. We pulled off a fabulous party that doubled attendance from last year and got people having fun all night long.
If you know me, you know I love a good party, and you also know I love doing for others, so this event was a dream come true. I never imagined I would have overseen something on this scale for the first time I was in charge of it, but I am very pleased.
Next goal? 300 people and raise $10,000.
We started planning in the summer, deciding we would do an 80's theme party, in October we started working on our vision, in early December we had a date, location, and band, and in early January, with 5 weeks to go, we started the decorations, promotions, and menu.
And it happened, and many people attended, and many people had fun, and we raised a good chunk of money for child health and wellness programs in Lee County.
I have no pictures because I didn't have time to take any, but suffice it to say I was met with some cynicism and negative attitudes, but we did it. We pulled off a fabulous party that doubled attendance from last year and got people having fun all night long.
If you know me, you know I love a good party, and you also know I love doing for others, so this event was a dream come true. I never imagined I would have overseen something on this scale for the first time I was in charge of it, but I am very pleased.
Next goal? 300 people and raise $10,000.
Friday, January 11, 2013
New Year's Resolution #1
Who woulda thunk I actually would accomplish one of my resolutions so quickly in the year? Not I.
But, I did. Yay!
A couple weeks ago, the Black Crowes announced their spring tour. Atlanta April 23 is the date. I went ahead and made my hotel reservations about a week ago, and included some time in there to see the Georgia Aquarium and the Margaret Mitchell House. Well, a couple days ago, Widespread Panic announced their spring tour. Hallelujah! And guess where they'll be April 26-27? In the Atlanta area. So, back to Google Maps and hotel reservations I went, adjusted my time in downtown Atlanta, made reservations for North Atlanta, and the vacation is planned. Got my Crowes tickets this week, and Panic goes on sale next week, and I just need to decided where all I will be going for the entire week. Fun, fun, fun!
Now, I am terrified of Murphy's Law kicking in and since the vacation is planned, I'm afraid something will happen to keep me from this awesome week of concerts.
But, I did. Yay!
A couple weeks ago, the Black Crowes announced their spring tour. Atlanta April 23 is the date. I went ahead and made my hotel reservations about a week ago, and included some time in there to see the Georgia Aquarium and the Margaret Mitchell House. Well, a couple days ago, Widespread Panic announced their spring tour. Hallelujah! And guess where they'll be April 26-27? In the Atlanta area. So, back to Google Maps and hotel reservations I went, adjusted my time in downtown Atlanta, made reservations for North Atlanta, and the vacation is planned. Got my Crowes tickets this week, and Panic goes on sale next week, and I just need to decided where all I will be going for the entire week. Fun, fun, fun!
Now, I am terrified of Murphy's Law kicking in and since the vacation is planned, I'm afraid something will happen to keep me from this awesome week of concerts.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year
Last year's New Year's Eve and yesterday's nights varied greatly. Yes, I snacked for dinner, and put down a bottle of wine, but no champagne, no partying. I was so asleep before midnight, and it was awesome.
Over the past year, I've done a lot of fast living. I've burned the candle at both ends. I've lived like I did when I was twenty and it has caught up with me and I've done it all over again. While this burning the candle at both ends thing isn't something totally new for me, I'm ready to encourage more balance in my life. The past few weeks, I've been pondering what my New Year's resolutions will be. I may have some more to add to the list, but so far the list is:
1. Plan a vacation based on where Widespread Panic will be touring.
2. Document my life. (Blog more, take a picture every day)
3. Try some new exercise classes (pole dancing, belly dancing, hula hoop, etc.) and do Pure Barre once a week (or so, until my body gets used to it).
4. Go to the beach.
5. Make time to play my bass.
6. Be conscientious of what I put into my body.
7. Recycle, be conscientious about conserving energy, minimize waste.
8. Learn to sew. Make some fun hippie clothes.
9. Work
10. Be conscientious of where I shop. When appropriate, shop second hand first, local second, and the not-so-bad major corporations third. Boycott businesses with unacceptable policies and practices.
11. Take one day a week as a personal day for reflection and quiet time.
12. Put pride in my appearance.
13. Pare down my possessions (ahem, wardrobe) to what I need and is useful, and a little of what I want.
14. Organize all my papers, financials, clippings, etc. Start working on business plans for all business ideas.
15. Take some extra classes to enrich the jane-of-all-trades in me.
16. Celebrate turning 30, and embrace the new decade.
17. Get smart with my finances.
18. Be more active in philanthropy.
Over the past year, I've done a lot of fast living. I've burned the candle at both ends. I've lived like I did when I was twenty and it has caught up with me and I've done it all over again. While this burning the candle at both ends thing isn't something totally new for me, I'm ready to encourage more balance in my life. The past few weeks, I've been pondering what my New Year's resolutions will be. I may have some more to add to the list, but so far the list is:
1. Plan a vacation based on where Widespread Panic will be touring.
2. Document my life. (Blog more, take a picture every day)
3. Try some new exercise classes (pole dancing, belly dancing, hula hoop, etc.) and do Pure Barre once a week (or so, until my body gets used to it).
4. Go to the beach.
5. Make time to play my bass.
6. Be conscientious of what I put into my body.
7. Recycle, be conscientious about conserving energy, minimize waste.
8. Learn to sew. Make some fun hippie clothes.
9. Work
10. Be conscientious of where I shop. When appropriate, shop second hand first, local second, and the not-so-bad major corporations third. Boycott businesses with unacceptable policies and practices.
11. Take one day a week as a personal day for reflection and quiet time.
12. Put pride in my appearance.
13. Pare down my possessions (ahem, wardrobe) to what I need and is useful, and a little of what I want.
14. Organize all my papers, financials, clippings, etc. Start working on business plans for all business ideas.
15. Take some extra classes to enrich the jane-of-all-trades in me.
16. Celebrate turning 30, and embrace the new decade.
17. Get smart with my finances.
18. Be more active in philanthropy.
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