Day 17 – A Song That Makes Me Happy

This is a tough one, actually, because a lot of songs to which I feel a strong affinity do not evoke a positive emotion. I know it sounds horrible, but I think that's one of the reasons I listen to country music. For the first few months after I moved to Georgia, I would come home from work crying on a nearly daily basis because I'd heard a sad song on the radio that made me think of home and my parents. Fast-forward 3+ years and I am still listening to country, but now it simply makes me nostalgic for my small town upbringing. Even a lot of rock songs make me feel that way. I guess I'm happy with where I am, but I struggle with the contrast of where I've been.

I don't want to skirt two questions in a row, so I guess I'll have to answer most of the songs from  Katy Perry's Teenage Dream CD. I'm not normally into pop music, but her songs are catchy, and they make me want to crank it up and dance... especially Fireworks, Last Friday Night and California Gurls. Maybe it's because I think I'm a California Girl at heart?

Day 16 – Your first kiss

I plead the fifth. It wasn't with DH, so I don't care to re-hash.

Instead, I want to say how wonderful my husband is.... I love you, boo!

 

Georgia Tech Football: Whiteout vs. Miami - September 2009

 

Oysterfest 2010

 

Hoover Dam - Feb. 2010

NYC - June 2010

Destin, Fla. - July 2010

August 2010

Auburn beats Alabama - November 2010

Park Tavern -  December 2010

First Anniversary, August 2008

Mini-honeymoon, September 2007

August 25, 2007

 

Georgia Tech - September 2009

Day 15 – My Favorite Movie

I don't really watch movies. One of three things happens every time:

a) I fall asleep. There was a point in time where James wouldn't take me to the movies anymore because I fell asleep in three consecutive trips to the theater. First, I fell asleep before The Watchmen even began, then I made it through about 10 minutes of Monsters vs. Aliens and then, ::gasp:: I dozed off in the middle of Harry Potter 6. If you know me, you know this is blasphemy.

2) I get bored. This usually happens when we try to watch something at home. I'm a perpetual multi-tasker, so I cannot bring myself to sit in front of the TV and ONLY watch. I have to be cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. etc. Inevitably, I will get up in the middle of the movie and go find something else to do.

3) I get agitated. I hate suspenseful movies, and I hate movies when, funny or not, I know some kind of awkward or uncomfortable situation is coming. I get so personally agitated that I have to get up and leave until the situation has passed.

So, clearly, I haven't seen a lot of movies, and those I have are generally old or for children -- do not expect anything too deep or too advanced. For example:

- 10 Things I Hate About You - This movie came out when I was in eighth grade, and not only did I look like the little sister, the movie had a lot of parallels to my life. I wouldn't say I have the same connection to it as I used to, but it's like a long-lost part of my past of which I can't quite let go.


 - Boondock Saints - I think half the fun of this movie is the cult following, but I also love the raw, gritty filming style and the storyline that, while in an unconventional way, ultimately teaches good behavior.

- Breakfast at Tiffany's - I am not even sure when I first watched this, but I instantly fell in love. I knew what she meant the first time I walked into Tiffany. I decorated my first guest room with BaT, and my guest bath is currently Tiffany blue. I love this movie for all that is is, and for all that Tiffany is.

- Elf - I could quote this entire movie, and it never gets old.


- Elizabethtown - My college roommate got me hooked on this movie. I think the music caught me first, and the road trips solidified it. I'd give anything to drive all over all the roads this country has to offer and see the sights that time and interstates have left behind. Kirstin Dunst's carefree nature seals the deal.
 
- Forest Gump - I love, love, love Tom Hanks. In fact, I'd add many of his other movies to my list of favorites, such as Philadelphia, Big, The DaVinci Code, Road to Perdition, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile... the list goes on. Essentially, he's fabulous. This movie also provides a wonderful look at American history and how even the most average person can experience and influence so much. It has a rockin' soundtrack, too.

- Harry Potter - Do I really have to explain?

- A League of Their Own - Tom Hanks! Baseball! WWII-era! All of my favorite things. :)

- Lord of the Rings - My uncle actually bought me the first two extended editions of the movies, thinking I liked them, before I ever watched either of them. James made me watch the first two and then then see the third when it was in theaters, all within two days. By the end of The Return of the King, I was crying. This is one of the few true epic stories that I've ever seen, and it has every element that a great storyline demands. The effects are spot on, the actors are phenomenal. All around a great film.

 - Talladega Nights - In my defense, I first watched and loved this movie long before I ever became a NASCAR fan. It's funny and lighthearted, and I loved cars. Now that I am slightly obsessed with NASCAR, my driver is Jamie McMurray (Losing is never fun, but here's something to keep your spirits up. It's real nice. I got it at Target. It was on sale.), AND I've been to 'dega, it's even better.

- Two Weeks Notice - Hands down, one of the funniest movies ever. I share Lucy's sarcastic sense of humor and love Hugh's accent (who doesn't?). This is a go-to for me, any time.

Day 13 – This Week

Is going to be another long one!

Sunday - relaxing, finishing cleaning up around the house, doing laundry, working & maybe going out to look for a coffee table & end tables. Ryan's moving out by the end of the year & he's getting ours.

Monday - Work. Gym. Dinner. Work.

Tuesday - Work. Gym. Dinner. Work.

Wednesday - Work. Gym. Dinner. Work.

Thursday - Work. Gym. Dinner. Work.

Friday - Work. Gym. Dinner. Work.

Saturday -

Day 12 – What’s in My Bag

This is painful -- I have a lot in my bag, which currently is the purple Longchamp from a few weeks ago.


The Keys
Coach Owl, for Chi O + a hearts key ring engraved with James & Leslie McBride from my friend Nicole.
Neither have a purpose, just sentimental attachment.
 


The Wallet
Coach Mini Signature in Black.
This wallet has space for everything you need & a lot of things you don't. I like that it's easy to slim down for smaller bags with a removable checkbook cover.



The Makeup
Inside a Coach pink signature mini cosmetics case (picture not accurate).
I've nearly worn this case out, but it's a great way to corral little things that would otherwise be lost in the bottom of your bag.


I have Cover Girl Powder Foundation + Clinique Lipstick.
This power is my fav as it covers better than the brand's pressed powder, but it's still lightweight and very affordable. Clinique's lipstick is amazing. It's the only brand I've used that never dries out, never flakes & never leaves behind remnants of color. It's smooth, moisturizing and comes in great shades.


  

Philosophy Supernatural Lip Gloss + Patanol Eye Drops.
I just started using the Supernatural Lip Gloss, and I love it! It's thick and shiny but doesn't have the uber-sticky consistency of Mac's Lip Glass. Nothing interesting about the eye drops, just allergies. :)


 



Glam
Prada Triangle Logo Sunglasses in Red (picture not accurate)




The Organizer
Gallison Andy Warhol Shoes Accordion Organizer + Notebook with Pink Waterman Pen.
This organizer is awesome -- it has a bunch of slots for things like gift cards, receipts, frequent shopper cards, to-do lists and more, plus it has a notepad for jotting down shopping lists, etc. I love this pen because it's high-quality but still slim and in the perfect color (shout out to NWL!)

  



The Technology

iPod Video G4 in Coach Red Signature Stripe Case
I have to be ready to rock my tunes at work, at the gym, in the car, anywhere and everywhere, so I always have my iPod. James bought this case for me one year for my birthday, and I love it because it protects my Pod but is still very stylish.
  

Nikon Coolpix S4000 + Case Logic Ultra Compact Camera Case
Never leave home without your camera! This is a good point-and-shoot with minimal options (sometimes too minimal for my taste) but it's easy to use and I love the touch-screen. Not the most sexy case, but it serves its purpose.

 

Blackberry Curve
Work-issued BB -- I'd prefer the Bold -- but I still love it. I'm not an iPhone or Droid kind of girl.

The Necessities
Coach Pink Leather Contact Case (picture not accurate)
The stylish way to carry ugly contact cases. And it has a mirror!



Coach Pink Leather Medicine Case (picture not accurate)
For allergy meds, vitamins & pain killers -- you never know when you'll need them!

Day 11 – My Favorite Musician

Did you really have to ask?

Day 10 – My Favorite Outfit

At least right now.

It's comfortable, wears well and, with the right shoe selection, can be dressed up or down. The decorative collar allows you to skip the necklace and go with snazzy earrings or -- my favorite -- it looks great with a chunky turquoise ring and bracelet. Last, the high-waist belt gives it a little more shape without compromising the flowing a-line silhouette or covering up the pockets.

Yes, pockets. Now do you understand?

Day 09 – My Favorite Actor

Tom Hanks

I don't think this man has made a bad movie. He's old-man sexy, a devoted husband and an eloquent speaker. What is that you say? AND he directs?

See what I mean?

Day 08 – A Picture of Something That Makes Me Happy

Three reasons:

1) Jimmy Johnson

2) Jimmy Johnson winning

3) Jimmy Johnson winning one of our brand's race

Day 07 – My Worst Nightmare

I don't have a worst nightmare. I think I'm good at rolling with the punches.

Day 06 – Describe My Day in Great Detail

5 a.m. - My subconscious turns off my alarm.
5:28 a.m. - My semi-conscious looks at my BlackBerry and lays my head back down.
6:30 a.m. - I wake up in a panic as I'm supposed to be walking out the door right now.
6:20 - 6:50 a.m. - I dig through the massive piles of laundry in my bedroom, bathroom and closet in search of my Georgia Tech shirt. I fail, so I resolve to wearing a goldenrod tank with a white sweater and cuffed skinny jeans with matching yellow flats. Swap the long necklace for dangle GT earrings. Nice :)
6:50 - 7 a.m. - I brush my teeth, wash my face & put on my makeup, forgetting my contacts 'till last. I hate that.
7 a - 7:10 a.m. - I comb & then flat iron my hair. Today's a teasing kind of day, so I poof, pin and spray.
7:10 a.m. - BlackBerry check. Shoot! Late. Ugh.
7:10 - 7:15 a.m. - I grab my things, kiss the James and scoot out the door.
7:17 a.m. - I get to my car, am unhappy with the bottom half of my outfit and decide to go change.
7:19 - 7:20 a.m. - James wakes up to me rummaging for clothes (again). Throw on barely boot cut dark wash with brown and gold wedges. Much better. :)
7:20 - 7:32 a.m. - I drive to work. I'm tired, but Martina McBride is on the radio, Independence Day. Love this song. I also heard two Tim McGraw songs.
7:32 - 7:35 - Park (floor 1!), walk into the office with EVP of HR. Off on 6 to get 10 training packets from Lizz's desk. Take them to our conference room on 3.

This is so ridiculous, I cannot even continue.

Day 05 – My Favorite Quote(s)

I can't pick one, so I pick three -- three very different quotes illustrating three very different aspects of my life. Up first...

Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change. -Frank Lloyd Wright
I wont say that everyone who knows me knows I love Frank, but I can confidently say that many people do. I love Frank so much, in fact, that I think we're on a first name basis. When I refer to Frank, the unknowing often ask, "Frank, who?" as though I'm referring to a friend. Frank, who? Pssssh! The Lloyd Wright himself, of course!

I digress...

I love Frank. I admire Frank. I am in awe of Frank's work. The lines! The blending of earth and man! The organized abstract nature of it all. And that's just his work.

Frank himself is such an interesting man. His house burned twice. He left his wife and children for his mistress, and then his mistress and her children were murdered in his home by his employee. He married someone half his age -- and had a child with her. He was banished from Chicago society, had a sporadic streak that nearly bankrupted him more than once and was wildly impulsive. His best work came after he nearly lost it all, and I love him for that. He was cocky as hell, didn't listen to clients and was notorious for going over budget. I'm talking more than double what he was supposed to spend. He pushed the limits of design and engineering (have you seen Falling Water?). He freaking rocks my world. Sigh.

I love this quote, not because it illustrates what is quite possibly his biggest strength and his biggest weakness -- his confidence -- but because I actually think it's a pretty damn good motto by which to live. Don't pretend to be humble if you're not. Even if you are -- exude an air of confidence. Better -- be confident. Be yourself. And above all else, have no regrets.

Next...

Follow your bliss. - Senses Fail
This one comes from the song "Can't Be Saved" by emo/post-hardcore band Senses Fail, whom I also love. The song starts with this line, and I think its a good way to start every day: follow your bliss. Follow what makes you happy. Do what makes you happy. And be who makes you happy. Bliss.
And finally...

For we walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Cor 5:7
This was the second Bible verse I ever memorized (the first was "Your word is the lamp to my feed and the light to my path," though I can never remember the book and verse. (It's Psalm 119:105. I checked.)). It was a time when I was starting to discover and grow my relationship with Christ through a discipleship with my dear childhood friend, Andrea. I thought, and still do think, that it speaks a lot to what I was feeling at that time and what other people who are new to their faith often feel. When I am ever uncertain or unsure, I remember this verse.

Day 04 – Worst Movie I Ever Saw

Fran Drescher knocks off a Disney movie? Enough said.

Day 03 – A Song That Makes Me Cry

Many songs have made me cry the first time I heard them.

The first time I heard I loved her First by Heartland, I was six months away from my wedding & knew my dad wanted to dance to it. I was in the backseat of my parent's car after looking at the house they'd eventually purchase -- the place they'd move to after leaving the only house I'd ever known. The insurmountable change I knew I was facing suddenly became more than I could handle on a gray February day in Ohio.

I still remember hearing Something to be Proud Of by Montgomery Gentry for the first time. I was in the audio department at Circuit City and something overtook me. I think it was the story of the simple life that we all can be proud of.

For a long time after I moved to Georgia, many country songs would get to me. I'd be stuck in rush hour traffic on I-85 south and find myself sobbing. It wasn't any particular song. In fact, I couldn't name anything specifically that made my tears fall. It was simply the reminder of home, my parents and the life I no longer had.

So I guess it's not even one song that makes me cry, it's just whatever song that speaks to me based on what is going on in my life at that time.

The good news? Nothing is making me cry of late! :)

Day 02 – A Place I Hope to Visit

Bora Bora.

When James & I were dating and still working at Circuit City, Bora Bora was on one of the loop tapes that played in the TV department. We always said that's where we wanted to go for our honeymoon. Turns out we didn't get a honeymoon, so it's still at the top of our list of places to go.

Day 01 – A Celebrity That Inspires Me

Jackie Robinson

Strong. Daring. Charismatic.