Emily's Newsroom

Website is up!

2011-11-30T19:33:00.003-05:00

www.jayandemily.com

We're getting married!

May 12, 2012

Insta.gram

2011-02-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about new social media/tech sites I learned about in a technology class at work. I decided to check out Insta.gram recently and wanted to share this unique iPhone app.

This is how it was described in my class:
Insta.gram: My newest addiction! It’s a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Only avail for iPhone at moment.

This is what it looks like:

You take a photo and then put it through any of the available filters and post online. You can see photos from people you "follow" and comment or "like" them.

If you are already on Insta.gram or decide to sign up please follow me @erobards

Great devotional

2011-02-23T17:23:00.001-05:00

Misty, a girl in my new small group, recently sent me this short devotional. I really enjoyed it and thought I'd pass it along.

“I have called you friends.” John 15:15 NKJV

Become God's friend

Another step in developing your friendship with God is: Choosing to be honest with Him! God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but He does expect you to be honest. If perfection was a requirement not one of us would qualify. In the Bible God’s friends were honest about their feelings, sometimes even complaining and arguing with Him, yet He didn’t seem to mind. In fact, He encouraged it. God listened patiently to David’s accusations of unfairness, betrayal and abandonment. He didn’t zap Jeremiah for claiming God had tricked him. Job was allowed to vent his bitterness and God actually defended him for being honest. On the other hand, He rebuked Job’s friends for faking it: “You haven’t been honest either with me or about me - not the way my friend Job has…My friend Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer” (Job 42:7 TM). To be God’s friend you must share your true feelings with Him, not what you think you ought to feel or say. Until you understand that God uses everything for good in our lives, you’ll harbor resentment towards Him over your looks, your nationality, your economic background, your unanswered prayers, your past hurts, and the things you’d change if you were God. Actually, revealing your feelings and releasing your resentments to Him are the first steps to becoming spiritually whole. Isn’t it encouraging to know that God’s closest friends felt just like we do, but instead of masking their feelings in pious clichés they voiced them openly. Why? Because expressing them leads to healing and a deeper level of intimacy with Him.

Skeet shooting

2011-02-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

A few months ago Jay and I bought a Living Social deal for a round of skeet shooting. It was a good deal and we both thought it would be a fun weekend activity. The deal was for a gun rental and a round at Tom Lowe Shooting Grounds. I admit part of my fascination with the idea of going skeet shooting was to wear a preppy shooting outfit. I envisioned something like this.

But when Jay came to pick me up he told me I should dress much more casual. He was wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans. So despite my desire to dress the part I agreed and went casual.

When we arrived and I was handed a box of ammunition and a gun without any instruction I started to get nervous. I had held a gun before and even shot one a long time ago but I definitely needed a refresher course. We spoke with one of the shooting grounds' veteran shooters and he gave me a quick tutorial on my gun, where to stand and how to aim at the clay birds as they shot out of the box.

The first round we shot with another couple and in the end the girls beat the guys with total number of "birds" shot. My beginner's luck was short lived though and the next round I only got 3 out of 25.

In the end we both left with sore arms but an exciting afternoon of trying out a new sport. We both want to try it again.

Broken resolution

2011-02-23T17:07:00.002-05:00

I realize it has now been over 2 weeks since I last posted and I've broken one of my New Year's resolutions. Sorry for the break... I'm back

Proud Aunt!

2011-01-31T11:15:00.003-05:00

UPDATE: Check out their blog http://baileyandbanksbakersdozen.blogspot.com/ for more information and pictures of the puppies

My brother bred his dog Banks and the mom gave birth yesterday. There are 13 new lab puppies!!
1 chocolate boy, 4 yellow girls, 2 yellow boys, 4 black boys, 2 black girls. I'm so excited to meet them in a few weeks.

Check out all those recipes...

2011-01-26T14:40:00.002-05:00

Go here to see what everyone cooked this month!

P.S. - If you'd like to join us it's not too late!

Cooking Challenge #1

2011-01-25T19:43:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago my friend Emily invited me to participate in a blogging cooking challenge. Her friend Cassie has challenged herself to cook something new out of all her cookbooks. Emily and several other bloggers (including myself) decided to join Cassie and try new recipes ourselves. Each month we will link back to each other from Cassie's blog and share our cooking triumphs/failures.

Let me start by saying I was hesitant to join this challenge. Not only am I a novice cook but I'm also a picky eater. Often recipes in cookbooks don't appeal to me because of all the ingredients that they call for. In addition, I don't own many cookbooks either. However, one of my goals for 2011 is to eat at home more often so I figured what the heck and told Emily I'd participate.

For my first recipe I wanted to cook something from my family cookbook. Several years ago we had this cookbook put together to save all of our family recipes. The cover shows the Dempsey family in 1942 in front of their house in Greenville, Kentucky. My grandfather is the one on the far right. He is my mother's father. The recipe I chose is cousin Jonathan's enchiladas. When I normally cook Mexican food I do the Old El Paso soft taco kit. It is easy, tasty and (almost) everything you need is in 1 box. This would be a challenge for me to buy everything individually. I stopped by Kroger to pick up my ingredients seen below.

Ingredients:
1 pkg of enchilada sauce mix
1 (8 oz.) can of tomato sauce
2 cans of enchilada sauce (I only bought 1 and it was fine!)
1.5 cups of water
1.5 lbs. of lean ground beef (I used less)
Medium flour tortillas
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese
1/3 cup minced onion (optional - I did not use)

Combine sauce mix, tomato sauce, enchilada sauce and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes. Mix cheeses together (I bought them already mixed). Brown ground beef and onion; drain. Stir in cheese and sauce mixture until cheese is melted.
Spread 1/2 cup of sauce mixture in bottom of baking dish. Put 1 tablespoon of meat mixture on each flour tortilla and roll up. Place seam side down in pan. Pour any leftover meat/sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Verdict: I went into this meal thinking I wouldn't like it because typically I think enchiladas are a little too wet. I accidentally only bought 1 can of enchilada sauce but I think that was actually perfect because they weren't as runny. I really enjoyed these enchiladas and they were perfect for me because they were just cheese, beef, sauce and tortillas. They were simple and I liked that. This recipe made 6 enchiladas so hopefully they will also re-heat well too.

Tech Nerd Alert!

2011-01-25T14:32:00.002-05:00

Today I attended a class at work on 60 new sites/apps to check out. We went through 60 in 60 minutes. It was fast-paced but I thought you might enjoy browsing through some of the new start-ups and social media sites out there. Several are geared toward news/journalism and some are just silly (NoseDial) but if you've got some time it's worth clicking around.

About.me: Create your personal splash page. Quickly build a personal and dynamic splash page that points visitors to your content from around the web. Measure metrics too!

GetGlue: Now that you’ve mastered the art of checking-into hip spots, start spreading the news to your network vis a vis the shows & movies your watching, books reading, music listening and even the great wine your enjoying.

Miso: Like GetGlue… only not quite the same buzz. Hmmm… Could this be the Gowalla of Ent-based check-in’s?

Jumo: From Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, this new philanthropic start-up works to match do-gooders with appropriate causes. Think FB minus the flashy advertisements and need to impress the opposite sex!

Untappd: Checking into locations is soooo last year! Even checking into entertainment choices has its limits. With this app you can get back to what beer drinking was meant to be about… social! New meaning to buzzworthy!

Path: Photo and video sharing network, also sees itself as an enhancement to Facebook; users can log in to Facebook to find Path users to share with. But Path limits the sharing to 50 friends at most, rather than with everyone you know.

Insta.gram: My newest addiction! It’s a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Only avail for iPhone at moment.

PicPlz: Very much like Insta.gram and Path, PP allows users to snap photos and add fun effects like "Russian Toy Camera," "The 70s," and "Instant Film." Connect with Facebook and Twitter to the service.

DailyBooth: Your life in one big conversation… only through pictures. And unlike the other social photo sites, this is real-time shots. Sounds weird, but the kids say it’s cool. Trust.

Quora: Crowdsourcing redux. Let’s face it, we now live in a ‘browse-answer-notification’ world! A continually improving collection of questions and answers created, edited, and organized by everyone who uses it. Bigger than Twitter? Chuck Norris?

Tumblr: Very popular microblogging platform that allows users to post text, images, videos, links, quotes and audio to their tumblelog, a short-form blog.

Diigo: If Delicious is really going away, better start looking for alternatives! Diigo goes beyond simple social bookmarking by providing a wealth of features, including collaboration and web page commenting tools. It includes a Delicious import tool and client apps are available for iPad and Android. The service is free and is advertising-supported.

Mashable: The holy grail for social media and emerging tech news and trends. Period.

TechCrunch: AOL bought TechCrunch four months ago. Many feared the web/gadget/social media blog might become diluted but it continues to be an industry leader.

Engadget: Beautiful tech trends website. Can’t go wrong here!

SlashDot: The site bills itself as ‘News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters’ and it doesn’t disappoint. Not as pretty with little photos and video, but with all the info-muscle!

Read, Write, Web: Excellent source for news on Web Apps, Web Trends, Social Media and Consumer Behaviors. Overall my #1 site for tech trends + news media info! Super rich info with the most forward-facing stories in the web space.

CNET: Best site for gadget/gear/hardware reviews. Period.

GigaOm: Great for technology news, analysis and trends. Can be a bit highbrow… but the content is consistently ahead of curve.

Gizmodo: Heavy provider of outstanding technology news… have proven bigger than one-trick pony after scoring iPhone 4 scoop. Worth a bookmark. Do it!

FastCompany: My favorite magazine (print or digital). Always on top of latest trends in Tech, Business, Design and Leadership. Full articles are always insightful/inspiring but also do a good job with daily blurb updates early and often on site.

Social Fresh: A social media education site with heavy focus on marketing trends. Great for niche stories on intersection of SM and consumer behaviors.

Mobile Marketer: Wanna keep up with latest trends for all things Mobile? Look no further!

Silicon Alley Insider: Bookmark for the firm handle on all things SV news. Great scoops!

ValleyWag: Gawker Media blog with gossip and news about Silicon Valley personalities.

Techmeme: Bookmark ‘em all in one shot… let Woz sort ‘em out!

10000 Words: Amazing blog that combines very best of Innovation + Journalism. Founded by New Media Journalist Mark Luckie, site was sold to Mediabistro recently but Mark still blogs and contributes fabulous content.

Neiman Lab: Awesome site focusing on future of Journalism trends, breakthroughs and discussion. It’s run by smart peeps from Harvard… what else do you need?

LostRemote: The first and only source dedicated to social TV coverage. Readers are primarily TV execs, producers and social technology companies helping reinvent the future of television.

NewsFlashr: Use what I do each morning to sift through dozens of blogs and papers in minutes instead of hours. And best of all sorted by topic and feed.

Bump: Go green and stop ordering biz cards now that you can exchange contact info with your smartphone-packing acquaintance.

Boxcar: If my life were managed entirely by push notifications, I’d be way more productive! Instant push notifications for emails, social nets, RSS feeds and more. iPhone only.

Qwitter: Can your ego stand the bruising? Service provides email updates of Twitter followers who – gasp – pull the plug.

JustUnfollow: Payback’s a… well… you know. Unfollow Twitter users who do not follow you.

Klout: The standard for influence. Look up your Klout Report to find your influence level, user style, and content. I’m good for a score of 61 – you got me beat? J

Groupon: Three words Collective – Buying Power. Has blown up to 2600+ employees and valuation upwards of north of $15 billion in few short years.

ScoutMob: Another ‘digital coupon’ service but not nearly as massive as Groupon. Started by couple guys from Atlanta, the free service is currently avail in ATL, NY and SF with promises to expand to about a dozen other U.S. cities this year.

Living Social: Boasts up to 90% off the best of your city. Sheesh… what will you do with all this extra dough?

Flavors.me: Very similar to About.me with a few more bells and whistles and freemium option ($20 yr for ad-free)

RockMelt: Your browser. Reimagined. Rockmelt is a social web browser built off of Chromium and boasts deep integration with both Facebook and Twitter with it’s “Edges” which are filled with friends that are online and feeds that you follow complete with update badges. Facebook freaks will dig this fun.

Google Cloud Print: The future looks good on paper! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could print a file from your iPhone or Android straight to a networked computer printer? Wait no more.

Storify: Platform for incorporating social media into stories you are working on; tweets, flickr images and YouTube videos. Service is in private alpha but accepting invitations.

Storyful: Not to be confused… founded by former CNN journalist David Clinch, Storyful curates the real-time web. In other words, separate the useful news from the river of noise flowing through channels like Twitter and YouTube.

Nosedial: No more taking off your gloves and freezing! Now you can dial with your schnauz! $.99 from the Apple app store.

Addictomatic: Inhale the web! Instantly create a custom web page for the hottest buzz on any given topic. It’s super easy. Don’t believe me?? Try it.. dare ya!

Duck Duck Go!: Described as a “hybrid search engine”, DDG has been around for a few years but remains small and relatively unknown. But it’s growing as users become appreciative of the reliable and diverse search results which rely heavily on crowdsourced data such as Wikipedia. Also note: no spam or privacy concerns… shhh!

Know Em: Secure your brand or online identity on Social Media. Hurry… run!!!

AudioBoo: Why stop at simply sharing text, photos and video when you can now swap audio too!? What’s next… smell-based social net?

Apartm.net: Why wouldn’t you want to unlock your front door with a mere @Foursquare check-in!? Muaaahahah (sinister laugh)!

WordLens: Instant translator – for now only English-Spanish and only for iPhone but only a matter of time before foreign language teachers go the way of dinosaurs!?

Increible: Groundbreaking translation app from Google Translate. Only avail for Google Android. Set to arrive with next app update.

Tango: Sick of hearing how cool Apple Facetime feature is for iPhone 4 users? It’s payback time! Works 3G/4G and between Android and iPhone devices.

Betali.st: Great site for keeping up with newest up and coming startups on the block. Discovery is fun!

FlipBoard: Didn’t earn Apple’s 2010 iPad app of year and TIME 50 greatest innovation kudos for nothing. A game changer app that interfaces all of your SM feeds into one user-friendly stream.

iPad2 Rumor Guide: Mashable helps take some of the guess from the guesswork on the long wait for what’s up with iPad 2. Especiialy dig the percentages attached to each feature on liklihood if it happening.

Memo.lane: Puts together a digital scrapbook (or timeline) from your updates on social networks!

Roku: Thinking about cutting the cord? Roku earns high praise for its affordability, ease of use and varied programming selection.

Diversity.Journalists: Growing database for minority journalists with a particular focus on Digital Media.

Grandmom's 80th Birthday

2011-01-22T19:45:00.007-05:00

After the ice started to melt my mom, grandmom and aunt all came to Atlanta for the weekend to celebrate my grandmom's 80th birthday. On Friday we ate at my new favorite pizza place, Antico Pizza. It is delicious and authentic pizza from Napoli. All the ingredients are shipped in from Italy and you eat on community tables inside the kitchen with the ovens.

Saturday we went to the matinee of Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theater. We were there with every little girl in Atlanta but we all enjoyed the show and I was singing the songs for a few days afterwards. We also ate a delicious steak dinner and opened gifts before watching Miss America on tv. It was a great girl's weekend celebrating my wonderful grandmother.

Goals for 2011

2011-01-22T18:57:00.005-05:00

I know this post is almost a month late but I figure better now than never. I want to get on the record with my 2011 goals/resolutions so I have the accountability of putting it out there and the ability to look back on the list throughout the year.

Things I'm looking forward to this year:
1. Celebrating my grandmom's 80th birthday in Atlanta
2. My 5-year anniversary at work
3. Kentucky Derby in May
4. Beach trip in June
5. 2nd year of dating and getting to know Jay

Goals to accomplish:
1. Memorize 24 Bible verses through the Beth Moore blog scripture memory team
2. Read at least 5 books outside of small group
3. Re-caulk master bathroom
4. Landscape front yard
5. Be a better blogger - don't let 2 weeks go without blogging, write more in my posts & diversify what I blog about
6. Be on time to work
7. Create a gallery wall up my stairs
8. Run 2 races
9. Finish paying off credit card debt
10. Cook at home more
11. Drink more water
12. Floss more often
13. Attend a class or conference
14. Volunteer more
15. Start contributing to savings account again

Ice Delay

2011-01-19T17:12:00.007-05:00

Well I had the best intentions of keeping my blog more updated this year but then Atlanta became a frozen tundra and I got delayed a little bit. Last week forecasts called for snow in Atlanta. Some were even predicting up to 6 inches of snow accumulation. Despite the forecast I was determined I could handle the 5 mile drive to work Monday morning. Sunday night around 8p the snow started to fall quickly and heavily. I started to get nervous so I listened to my mom's advice and took up work's offer to stay in a downtown hotel.

I literally threw 1 change of clothes into a duffel bag and hurried downtown to check-in before the roads got worse. When I pulled up to the hotel I saw several co-workers also in line to get a room. There was an air of excitement as the snow was starting to build up and we joked this was some sort of work slumber party.

But that is where the fun ended...

4 days later I was still stuck at the same hotel with the same clothes and the same people.

Atlanta was not prepared for the snow and ice storm that followed and our roads were completely impassible. My company owns 2 snow plows of their own and the entire city of Atlanta owns 8 for 5.5 million people. Now granted we haven't had snow like this in over 10 years but the response was slow and I was stranded.

Most of my friends were posting "cabin-fever" type messages on Facebook and complaining about being stuck in their homes while all I could wish for was to be home in my own bed.

Here is a picture of several of us modeling the t-shirts we were given on Day 3 when everyone had run out of clothes. Finally on Thursday night I made it home. In the end I learned some important lessons and also to listen to my former girl scout mom because I definitely was NOT prepared.

Spicy Chicken Biscuit

2011-01-04T11:54:00.003-05:00

This week is the premiere tasting of Chick-fil-a's new Spicy Chicken Biscuit. Go here to reserve your FREE biscuit. It officially goes on the menu on January 10, 2011.

Cheers to 2011

2011-01-01T18:11:00.006-05:00

New Years gets a bad rap. People say it is over-done and anti-climatic but I disagree. I love New Years. It's a time for looking forward, people are optimistic, fireworks, fun festive clothes and champagne...what's not to like?! This year was also a celebration of dating Jay for 1 year. Our first official date was last year on New Years when we party hopped and visited several friends' get-togethers.

This year to celebrate our 1st year together we went to Stoney River for a delicious steak dinner. It was so yummy. Then we went to a friend's house for a party. I made these "countdown cupcakes" to bring. The hosts did an awesome job. There were about 75 people there, lots of food, great decorations and even a balloon drop at midnight. We could also see fireworks from downtown on the deck. It was a great way to ring the in the new year with friends.

Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas

2011-01-01T18:02:00.003-05:00

This year I got several days off for Christmas and was able to go home to Alabama. It was a great break and nice to be home with family. One night we drove through an awesome street where everyone went all out with Christmas decorations and lights.
Here are some of the highlights: I also got to celebrate my 28th birthday on Christmas Eve. I got a massage that morning, had a dance party and listened to records with dad and ate a delicious dinner at Kobe Japanese Steak House. This was a treat to eat out because we have always cooked at home. We attended the 8p Christmas Eve service at our church and came home to toast champagne and eat cupcakes. It was an awesome day... one of my favorites of all time.
We woke up Christmas morning to large snowflakes falling. Nothing stuck but this is as close to a "White Christmas" as we get in Atlanta. We visited with neighbors, ate more delicious food, opened gifts and lounged around all day. You can't beat that.

New Jib Jab Year In Review

2010-12-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

I love these things each year. It's always a fun look back on what I did at work for the last 365 days.
Enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Going, going.... SOLD!

2010-12-20T11:46:00.005-05:00

I love auctions! My mom and I have attended several at Hal Hunt in Tuscaloosa. But recently my mom told me about an auction in Atlanta that was being featured on The Discovery Channel in a show called Auction Kings. I told Jay about it and we decided to check it out.

The first time we went to Gallery 63 we went to a Thursday afternoon auction. It wasn't well attended and we were honestly disappointed in the quality of the items they were selling. It felt more like 1970's garage sale than high-end auction. While we were they they told us about an upcoming Sunday auction where they sell better items and it is a lot more crowded. We decided to give it a 2nd chance and try it again. Jay was particularly interested in some of the items that would be for sale. In the end we didn't win anything but we had fun bidding and signing waivers to be on on TV. They have signed on for a 2nd season so be on the lookout.

Outside of the gallery they had two giant bronze mustangs. I couldn't resist a "pony ears" picture.

Christmas Decorations

2010-12-18T11:29:00.005-05:00

It's looking a lot like Christmas around my townhouse. Here are several of my decorations throughout the house.

These silver bells were given to me every year from birth - 21 years old from my aunt and uncle. They are Wallace sterling silver. My mom found the silver tree that is perfect to display all my bells. Also on the table are my M. Bagwell Simply Christmas dishes.

On my mirror above the mantle is a green feather wreath and my polka dot stocking hangs on the fireplace screen.

On the passage-way from the kitchen into the dining room are my fun multi-colored trees made out of ornament balls.

On the table in the foyer is a part of a larger nativity scene my mom passed down to me.

This Christmas card holder is a new addition. I got it from Willow House (formerly Southern Living Home). A co-worker was hosting a party and I purchased this from her. I think it is perfect for all my cards and could be used throughout the year for other displays too.

I got this pre-lit Christmas tree a few years ago when my grandparent's store went out of business. It was used for decoration there but has been perfect in my apartments and now my townhouse. It is slim and easy to set-up and store. Jay helped me decorate the tree this year. It was a fun project to work on together.

I got this boxwood wreath on sale after Christmas a few seasons ago. My mom got me this fun polka dot bow to go on it.

When I was at home after Thanksgiving I found this stocking. It was my first stocking when I was a baby. My mom smocked it. I brought it back to hang on my chest of drawers in my bedroom.

I got this small sparkly tree when I was in college for my dorm room. It is the perfect size for my bedroom dresser. It is decorated with smaller ornaments I've had since I was a child.

Birthday Rose Bush

2010-12-18T11:21:00.006-05:00

I got home from work on Thursday to find an early birthday surprise from Jay. Previously in between my house and the one next to me was an ugly holly tree. It had random sprigs in various directions and overall looked very scraggly (not sure that is a word-HA!). I have complained about the tree since I moved in almost a year ago but I don't own the tools to tackle the project myself. Jay cut the tree out and planted a pretty potted rose bush in its place. He did this all while I was gone and the day of our party so that my house would look top notch when friends came over. The rose bush is called a 'Radwhite' White Out. It blooms Spring-first frost and smells of citrus. I can't wait till it blooms in a few months.

Limo & Lights

2010-12-18T10:39:00.008-05:00

On Thursday Jay and I hosted a joint birthday party for ourselves and friends. We had several people over for hor d'oeuvres at my place and then took a limo to look at Christmas lights. Our 1st stop was in Kennesaw for the Meckley Family Christmas house. It was awesome!! The owner has set 30,000 lights to 10 songs for a 40 minute long show. You tune your car radio to 88.3 and you can hear the music. It is all fun fast pace rock Christmas songs. We were so impressed we got out of the limo to take some pictures and dance in the street. The owner even came outside to talk to us and tell us all about his display. Oh and in case you couldn't tell we did a tacky Christmas sweater theme too. After the Meckley Family house we knew the next stop would be hard to top. We went to Life University in Marietta for their Lights of Life display. Unfortunately we spent way too long at the Meckley's home and by the time we got to Life they were almost closed. We had time to drive through and see some of the lights but they were turning them off as we seeing them. That was definitely a downer but we still had a lot of fun riding around town listening to Christmas songs.

Ellie even got into the spirit and wore a Christmas themed dog coat.

Jay's B'day and CNN Party

2010-12-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Jay's birthday was on December 3rd. We went to dinner at Saskatoon. They serve wild game and we ate buffalo, elk and venison chops. Then we came back to my house for a healthy blueberry cake I made. Jay is wearing a macaroni necklace b/c he told me to not get him a gift and just make something. I still got him a gift but couldn't resist a little inside joke too.

This is our CNN Christmas card we send to all of our affiliates. It's pretty small and hard to see but I'm 2nd to the left in a red sweater. Can you spot me?

We also went to CNN's Holiday Party which was held at the Tabernacle. It's an old church that was converted into a concert venue/event space. There was yummy food, casino games and a DJ. It was a fun night out.

The Digital Story of the Nativity

2010-12-16T11:29:00.005-05:00

Watch this cool video.... Times change but the story remains the same

2nd Annual Kentucky Colonel's Day at Churchill Downs

2010-12-10T18:30:00.012-05:00

Last year I wrote about going to Louisville, KY for the Kentucky Colonel's Day at Churchill Downs. My family decided to make this a tradition and we went again this November. No one left big winners but Michael got his picture with famous jockey Calvin Borel. It was another mini-family reunion with lots of cousins and family friends.

Halloween

2010-12-09T16:55:00.006-05:00

When Jay was little his family lived for several years in Germany. We took that inspiration and were Liesl Von Trapp and her boyfriend Rolphe from The Sound of Music for Halloween. Jay looks remarkably similar to Rolphe too.

New Computer

2010-12-09T16:53:00.001-05:00

Almost forgot... I'm blogging from my fancy new computer. Thanks Dad & Mom!!!

Boulevard = SMU's Tailgating Experience

2010-12-08T21:26:00.004-05:00

At SMU we don't tailgate, we boulevard. Watch the video below to see what it's all about.

SMU Homecoming / 5-Year Reunion

2010-12-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

I have attended SMU Homecoming every year since I graduated and this was to be no exception. In fact this year was even more important. This is my 5-year reunion and I was serving on the reunion committee. The weekend was jam packed. Friday I was on campus all day long attending board meetings. When the long day was over I met Kristen at the hotel where she works and this surprise guest was checking in...PERUNA, SMU's mascot. We were excited to get our picture with him.
Later that evening we went to Megan's house to celebrate her daughter, Tally's 1st birthday. She was dressed as an SMU cheerleader for her "hip hip hooray for SMU" themed party. Tally's party was lots of fun with kids running all over the place and delicious food and drinks for the adults. Tally had a blast but she was not very into the cake.

On Saturday we arrived on campus early to watch the parade. Chi O won 1st place in the float competition and looked as cute as ever! Proud to be a Chi O alum too! :) After the parade we started tailgating and were entertained by SMU alum and country music star Jack Ingram. He played several songs wearing an SMU jersey and telling stories about his time on campus. It was a great Boulevard experience until it started storming and even the game had a 2 hour delay. I got completely soaked trying to run to the car.

Due to the rain delay we didn't get to see any of the game. We had to quickly change and make it to the 5-year reunion party at The Barley House. It was great seeing lots of old friends from the class of 2005. Here we are doing the "sorority squat" pose and Amy being too cool to join in.

On Sunday before heading back to Atlanta I made a visit to see my Chi O big sis, Shauna and her baby Elizabeth. I hadn't met her yet. We had a great time catching up and playing with Elizabeth. She is adorable and was wearing her owl outfit because she is a Chi O legacy :).

Despite the rain my trip to Dallas was awesome as usual. It is always fun to go back to Big D.

Corn Maze

2010-12-08T20:53:00.004-05:00

After my weekend in Tuscaloosa I drove straight back to Canton, GA for Buckhead Church singles night at Cagle's Dairy Farm. It was a crisp fall night. We had BBQ under a tent, jumped on an inflatable blob, got lost in a corn maze, took a hayride, made smores and danced to an awesome folk band.

Coming home for Homecoming

2010-11-16T21:35:00.006-05:00

Back in October I got to go home for another Alabama football game. This time it was the Homecoming game vs. Ole Miss. Each year growing up my mom would take us to the Alabama Homecoming parade. Since I was in town we decided to keep up the tradition and headed to the quad at noon... a full 8 hours before the game was set to start. This made for an incredibly long day but it was filled with lots of fun.

This was my favorite float in the parade...the elephant is wearing a XIII blanket for the 13 National Championships Alabama has won.
After the parade I met up with SMU friends Jordan and Meg. Jordan now lives in Birmingham and even though she's an Auburn fan she makes a trip to Tuscaloosa once a year and is a good sport. We watched the Auburn/Arkansas game with some of her friends at their tent. Meg, an Arkansas fan, also comes each year with her family, many of whom attended Alabama. Her sister Caroline is currently a senior.

Meg is my little sis in Chi O but she is truly like a sister to me. Her family and mine are very much alike and we love the chance to get together each year. Here we are with our moms.

Finally after a full day of tailgating the game started at 8p. We won the game 23-10 and we got home at midnight, a full 12 hour day.

The next day before leaving town to head back to Atlanta I got to meet up with my high school friend Mary Catherine. MC, as I like to call her, had baby James almost a year ago. I got to meet him last year when they lived in Dallas but he has grown so much since then and they now live in Chicago. I was so glad we were able to catch up quickly and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in December. You can read their blog here.

Tri-Red Triathlon

2010-11-04T16:49:00.003-04:00

Jay and several friends decided to do the Tri-Red Triathlon on Jekyll Island, GA this year. This was Jay's 14th triathlon to complete and despite little training prior to the event he did great. I was not a participant and just went along for the ride. I also was the official photographer for the group and got to snap pictures throughout the race. I can't take credit for Jay's biking picture below though...that came from the real race photographer.

We had such a great weekend and enjoyed one last beach trip before the weather got colder. Jekyll Island was beautiful and hardly anyone was there. We literally had the beach to ourselves one night.

I was so impressed and proud of the group. Everyone did an awesome job. We are hoping to make this an annual trip.

Jay & me at the finish

Jay biking
Car loaded down with bikes - there were 6 on there!

The group before the swim in the ocean

Sunrise and the boys start the swim.

Update on Elizabeth & Hank

2010-11-02T20:41:00.001-04:00

Watch an amazing slideshow here.

The pictures are beautiful and the song is one of my absolute favorites!

Elizabeth and Hank are married!

2010-11-02T20:31:00.002-04:00

On October 2nd my good friend from SMU & Atlanta, Elizabeth, got married to Hank. It was an honor to be a part of their special day. Since moving to Atlanta in 2006 Elizabeth has been a dear friend and has made Atlanta feel more like home. Her family is from here and she is a huge resource for me on all things Atlanta. I don't have many pictures from the wedding but it was fabulous. The ceremony was at St. Luke's Episcopal in downtown and the reception was at The Piedmont Driving Club. Please go to her photographer's blog to see more details from the wedding and pictures of Elizabeth and Hank.

Trying to catch up...

2010-11-02T18:42:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to get caught up on my blogging so there will be several posts here all together.

Back in September Jay and I drove to Tuscaloosa to spend the weekend with my family and go to the Bama v. Penn State game. Jay is an Alabama alum (and actually lived in Tuscaloosa at the same time I did) but we hadn't been there to visit together. We had such a fun weekend tailgating and cheering Bama on to a victory. It was also our first time to see the renovated stadium that now holds 101,600 fans. Here we are outside Bryant-Denny and with famous coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant below. ROLL TIDE!

Also around the same time we got to see Brooks and Dunn's Last Rodeo tour at Lakewood Ampitheater in Atlanta. It was a perfect night with lots of great country hits.

Jasmine

2010-10-26T20:12:00.004-04:00

Princess Jasmine

1993 - 2010

In mid September I had to put my sweet kitty, Jasmine, to sleep. My family got Jasmine in 1993. She was a seal-point Himalayan with beautiful blue eyes. I was in the 5th grade when we brought her home. We named her Princess Jasmine after the Disney movie Aladdin that had recently come out. She was exotic and beautiful just like the Princess Jasmine in the movie. Jasmine lived in Tuscaloosa for the next 13 years of her life. Then in 2006 when I moved to Atlanta I decided to move her out there with me. We joked that she became a "city cat" and adjusting to life in a small 1 bedroom apartment would be a challenge. But she did adjust well and she lived with me through 2 apartments and my new townhouse.

Early this summer I noticed she had a mouth infection. I took her to the vet and learned she had a tumor on her tongue. I was told this was common in older cats. We gave her several shots to fight the infection and help ease pain but the tumor was not going anywhere. After 2 months Jasmine got very sick and was unable to eat food easily. It was at that point I decided she had lived a wonderful 16 and 1/2 years and it was time to give her the rest she deserved.

The process was incredibly hard and I cried a lot. After everything I feel very relieved and I know it was the right decision. She went peacefully with my mom and me by her side petting her. I'm still adjusting to a house without her. She used to stand at the top of the stairs and greet me when I came home from work. She used to jump in my bathtub in the morning and want to drink water from the faucet. She used to curl up next to me on the red chair while I watched TV or read. She used to sleep on the sub-woofer under my desk because it was warm. All great memories. I do miss her a lot!

It's Almost Time...

2010-08-20T12:24:00.006-04:00

While my teams are on two different playing levels I'm getting pumped for the start of football season! Last year was an amazing season - Alabama winning the BCS National Championship & SMU making its first bowl appearance since 1984...and winning!

Excited for what's in store this year.
ROLL TIDE / GO MUSTANGS

Love this story... Please watch

2010-08-17T17:03:00.001-04:00

New BP CEO is a MUSTANG

2010-08-06T14:51:00.003-04:00

I just found out that Robert Dudley who is taking over as CEO of BP graduated from SMU.

New York Times
LONDON – Robert Dudley, who will become BP's new chief executive Oct. 1, faces a long road to restoring confidence in the embattled company – particularly in the U.S., the biggest part of BP's business.
Dudley, an American who has been with BP since the company bought Amoco in 1998, faces myriad challenges: repairing damaged relations with federal and state authorities, dealing with the cost and legal consequences of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, bolstering morale among BP employees and, perhaps critically, winning back investors.
Ultimately, his job can be summed up simply as ensuring that BP survives its latest crisis and finds a way to move beyond it.
"I can't think of any new chief executive of an oil company stepping into a more complicated situation," said Daniel Yergin, the chairman of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates. "BP is going to be in a rebuilding mode, and the aftermath of the spill will go on for a long time."
Dudley, 54, who has an MBA from Southern Methodist University, was announced Tuesday as the successor to Tony Hayward. In recent weeks, Hayward, in conjunction with directors, had concluded he could no longer effectively lead the company after he came under criticism in the U.S. for his handling of the spill. He is resigning from the job he has held since 2007.

Bachelorette Weekend!

2010-08-05T12:58:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I went to Watercolor, FL again. This time it was to celebrate my friend Elizabeth's October wedding. We left on Thursday morning and got 3 full days in the sun. Once again there was no trace of oil. It was beautiful. Our friend Liz who now lives in Austin got to fly in for the weekend too. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

I wanted to come up with a cute veil idea for Elizabeth. Since most Bachelorette veils are a little on the trashy side I came up with the idea to get matching headbands. They turned out so cute and were the perfect accessory.

Hope

2010-08-04T15:31:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 3:16-21 (The Message)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

Pilots take planeloads to help Gulf economy

2010-07-19T13:53:00.003-04:00

I heard about this story and pitched it to the Weekend show. We sent a photographer to cover their arrival in Gulf Shores. Glad to hear a good oil news story. Wanted to share...

Haynes' Wedding

2010-07-19T13:46:00.003-04:00

On Saturday my aunt, mom and I went to Peachtree City, GA to celebrate my cousin Haynes' wedding. It was a fun family reunion of sorts with lots of family there.

Bathroom Paint Project

2010-07-19T10:56:00.002-04:00

When I first moved into my house I liked all the existing paint colors except for the master bathroom. It was a sage green and just didn't fit my style. My aunt, mom and I painted the entire bathroom (ceiling included) white and planned to do beige horizontal stripes in the same color as my bedroom walls.

We quickly grew weary from painting and for 6 months the bathroom was just stark white.

Enter Kristen from KFD designs. I saw her work and blog mentioned on another great design blog Young House Love and I was so excited when I saw she was from Atlanta. I emailed her immediately and a few weeks later we have the finished product. Kristen did 2 posts on my bathroom transformation. Check it out here: http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/striped-bathroom.html and here: http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/peek.html

Welcome Emma & Claire

2010-07-08T22:20:00.003-04:00

My dear friends Daniel and Jean from SMU just had twin girls. Emma Grace & Hannah Claire were born on July 6th in Houston.

4th of July Braves Game

2010-07-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

After the Peachtree Road Race I met up with lots of co-workers at the Braves v. Marlins game. We decided to dress up as "American Heroes" and several of us went together at Statue of Liberties. We got on TV and the jumbotron. It was a blast.

Running Skirt

2010-07-08T22:14:00.001-04:00

P.S.
Did you notice my cute new running skirt in the pictures below. I'm so excited about it. It was cool and made me feel girly even when I was sweaty and tired. If you like to work out or run this is the hottest new thing to have.

Mine is from Skirt Sports.

Peachtree Road Race

2010-07-08T22:09:00.005-04:00

I DID IT!

I ran my first 10K! I had participated in the Peachtree Road Race before but 3 years ago I ran/walked it. This time with the help and training from Jay I ran the entire thing! I was so proud! It was a blast. My mom came to cheer me on and I managed to find her around mile 5. She was such an encouragement. I also ran into several friends along the race and met up with my coworkers Jackie and Alex in the park at the end. It was a great start to the 4th of July celebration and very inspiring.

The Perfect Church...there really is one!

2010-07-08T22:06:00.001-04:00

This really exists in Atlanta. It is located near Turner Field. It makes me laugh every time I drive by it. Who names their church this? Crazy!

Harry Connick Jr.

2010-07-08T22:02:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite places in Atlanta is Chastain Park Amphitheater. My uncle told me when I moved to Atlanta that I had to go to a concert there and I've been able to enjoy at least 1 every year I've been here. The venue is so fun. Each row is very wide and people set up tables with elaborate picnic settings. It is such a romantic spot. Jay and I go to go see Harry Connick Jr. in June. It was the most chill concert I'd ever been to. We ate pizza and drank wine and relaxed to some great big band style music.

Welcome Julia Grace

2010-07-08T22:00:00.002-04:00

On June 1st Jay's sister had her first baby! Her name is Julia Grace and she lives in Birmingham. I'm looking forward to meeting her soon.

Memorial Day in KY

2010-07-08T21:58:00.003-04:00

Slightly out of order but for Memorial Day my mom and I traveled to Kentucky to visit my aunt and grandmother. We spent the weekend at their lake house and enjoyed boat rides and even hosted a party for all their lake friends. During one of our boat trips we took a picnic to a little cove they called the "fern grotto" to eat lunch. It is beautiful there.

Botanical Gardens

2010-07-08T21:51:00.003-04:00

My friends Anna, Elizabeth, Kelly & I decided to try out Cocktails in the Garden to see the new exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We had such a fun time sipping drinks and looking at all the beautiful flowers. It was a fun night and the newly expanded gardens are terrific. Check it out if you're in Atlanta.

Beach Trip

2010-07-08T21:44:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been a bad blogger again...

In early June my family went to Watercolor resort in Florida. We spent an entire week (Saturday-Saturday) and we didn't see a drop of oil anywhere. I absolutely love it there. Life is so relaxed and easy. We spent our days at the beach, the pool, riding bikes, sleeping or going to Happy Hour. We got to celebrate my parent's 30th wedding anniversary and Jay even got to come for a few days. It was a great vacation.

Nashville Flood Trip

2010-05-24T14:23:00.005-04:00

On Saturday I joined a group of friends and other Buckhead Church attendees on a one day work trip to Nashville. We met bright in early around 6:30a and left for a long day. We joined a group in a Bellevue neighborhood called Beech Bend. The area was hit hard by the flood. Many homes had over 6 feet of water in them. We helped rip out sheet rock, shovel gravel, pick up trash and remnants left in yards and bag items to be hauled away.

Read more about the trip on the Buckhead Church Blog.

CNN Belief Blog

2010-05-19T18:14:00.003-04:00

I'm excited to announce the launch of CNN's new Belief Blog!

CHECK IT OUT

Welcome to CNN’s Belief Blog, where we'll cover the role that faith and belief play in the news - and in our readers’ lives.

We believe that understanding the role of faith in today’s world isn’t optional or nice to know. It’s need to know.

Consider these recent stories:

An American woman is held in a Haitian jail for more than 100 days after allegedly attempting to traffic children out of the country in the wake of a devastating earthquake.

A young man is charged in a plot to bomb Times Square.

A Columbia University graduate quits his first finance job for a go at community organizing - the beginning of a political life that leads to the White House.

To understand any of this news, you need to know something about faith.

Laura Silsby, released from a Haiti jail this week, was a Baptist missionary.

Faisal Shahzad, the suspect in the failed New York bombing, is a Muslim who vowed to “fight back” against the Islamic word’s “humiliation.”

And Barack Obama’s early community organizing was sponsored by Chicago churches - an experience that led him to Christianity and to a minister named Jeremiah Wright, who helped launch Obama’s political career and who, years later, almost ended it.

Faith isn’t incidental to these stories; it’s the driving force behind them. Covering those faith angles is this blog’s mission. CNN’s Belief Blog will focus on the places where faith bumps up against the rest of the news and the rest of the world, from breaking news to entertainment, from business to politics, and from foreign affairs to sports.

SMU Journalism: Opportunity Awaits

2010-05-19T17:49:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to help out with a video one of my SMU professors was working on. She put together these clips to show potential donors to SMU's Journalism department. The finished product was sent to me today. I'm so proud of all my fellow Journalism classmates who are working in the news. Go Mustangs!

SMU Journalism: Opportunity Awaits from SMU Meadows School of the Arts on Vimeo.

Girls Weekend in Atlanta

2010-05-10T18:11:00.004-04:00

The first Saturday is May is one of my favorite holidays of the year...Derby Day. Yes, I do consider it a holiday! This year while I didn't attend the actual Derby in Louisville I got to host 4 of my very best friends for the Atlanta version. Holly, Brittany, Kristen and Meg are four amazing friends from SMU. Through the years we have remained close and I was ecstatic to get to have all four come visit at once.

Friday we had drinks at Park Tavern in Atlanta's famous Piedmont Park and then dinner on the patio at Basil's in Buckhead.

Saturday we got up early and at brunch with our other SMU friend, Christie and shopped around the Virginia-Highlands area. Afterwards we got all dressed up and headed to the Shepherd Center's annual Derby Day fundraiser. This year it was at the Georgia International Horse Park where they held the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events. We had a blast sipping mint juleps, watch the race on the big screen and dancing the night away.

Sunday we went to Buckhead Church and then to a quick stop at H&M.

It was truly a wonderful weekend with best friends.

Welcome Caroline Claire

2010-05-05T11:50:00.002-04:00

My friend Melissa from college just had her first baby girl on Monday. Caroline Claire was 6lbs 3oz. She has tons of dark hair like her dad and long eyelashes like her mom. Can't wait to meet her in October. I love her name.

Almost forgot...

2010-04-26T17:17:00.003-04:00

I said I'd post pictures from Easter in Tuscaloosa. We had nice weekend with beautiful weather and lots of family time. My aunt and grandmother also made the trip so it was fun to have everyone together. We did some shopping on Saturday and then Sunday I went to the contemporary service at my family's church, First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa. Then afterwards I met up with everyone else for the traditional service. I loved seeing how far the contemporary service has grown since I worked on it in high school. They are really doing a great job. After church we enjoyed lunch at Northriver Yacht Club and then I drove back to Atlanta.

YARD WORK

2010-04-26T17:08:00.004-04:00

Saturday was a disaster. My mom came over to help me spruce up my yard. Unfortunately the yard man I hired was a no show, it was torrential rain and storms and with my injured finger we weren't able to get much done.

Sunday we woke up early and with the help of Miguel, a guy we hired at Home Depot, we were able to get lots done. I'm really excited about having a pretty backyard and flowers.

Here are some pics:

Stitched Up

2010-04-26T17:03:00.003-04:00

On Saturday my mom came to Atlanta to help me fix up my backyard. The Easter Bunny gave me several plants and I was ready to get them planted. While shopping for other flowers I cut my finger on a sign at Home Depot. It wouldn't stop bleeding and was a pretty deep cut. We made our purchases and went to the new Doctors Express, an urgent care clinic near my house. They looked at my finger and recommend stitches to clean it up. I haven't had stitches since I was about 7 and busted my chin open. Fortunately it only needed one and we were in and out in about 20 minutes. This place was great. Everyone was very friendly. I'll be going back next Monday to get the stitch out.

Progress...

2010-04-23T16:25:00.003-04:00

For the last month or so I've been training to run the Peachtree Road Race. I participated in the race back in 2007 when I ran/walked the 6.1 miles to the finish. Back then my goal was to finish the race and not be the last to cross the finish line. To my surprise I actually did pretty well and I was able to finish in and 1.5 hours alternating running and walking every other mile.

Flash forward three years and I'm going to tackle the race again. This time I have help training. My boyfriend Jay has participated in 13 triathlons in his life and knows how to push me to do more than I think I can. We have been running with his dog Ellie for awhile but on Wednesday we ran for an hour straight without stopping! I was so proud of myself. I've never done that before and wanted to brag!

This year my goal is to finish the race, not be last and not walk at all. I'm going to run the entire time. Wish me luck for Sunday, July 4th.

Easter

2010-04-06T21:55:00.002-04:00

He Arose!
Enjoy this cute clip

Recap of weekend home and pictures coming soon.

The day that True Love died...

2010-04-02T13:52:00.001-04:00

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
-Isaiah 53:5

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-26T11:03:00.003-04:00

After a recent 400+ Facebook friend purge I was inspired by a college friend to also delete my MySpace account. Streamlining feels good.

Fiddler on the Roof

2010-03-18T10:30:00.003-04:00

This week is my mom's Spring Break and she and my dad have spent their week off with me! We've had a busy week packed with events. Last night we went to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center to see "Fiddler on the Roof." It was a great musical about a Jewish family in the early 1900s in Russia. They live in a small village where the entire community focuses on doing things by "tradition." Times are changing though and they are forced to deal with the curveballs life throws at them. If you haven't seen this play or movie you should definitely check it out. It has a great storyline and good music too.

Welcome Elizabeth W.

2010-03-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

My sorority big sis from college is Shauna. She recently gave birth to her own little legacy. Elizabeth Jean was born on February 24th. She weighed 7lbs, 11 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. I can't wait to meet her in November.

I'm baaaaaack!

2010-03-10T10:03:00.002-05:00

I'm going to try to start blogging again.

Bad Blogger Part II

2010-01-02T02:44:00.002-05:00

I've decided that blogging for me is like Twitter or reading books or working out...I go through cycles where I'm just not feeling it.

This is currently one of those.

I will be back though, I promise.

So for everything I've missed since I last wrote... Happy Thanksgiving, Go Bama, Go Mustangs, Happy Birthday to me, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

Mustangs head for first bowl since 1984

2009-11-30T09:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.smu.edu/News/2009/smu-bowl-bound-28nov2009.aspx
By KATE HAIROPOULOS
The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – SMU coach June Jones normally looks anywhere but at the field at the end of close games. But Saturday afternoon at Ford Stadium, he took it all in.
"Gotta see this one," he said.
The Mustangs had regained the lead with 5:23 to play and held on to edge Tulane, 26-21. Most significantly, SMU secured the program's second winning season in 20 years and first bowl bid since 1984 and the NCAA-imposed death penalty in 1987.
SMU (7-5, 6-2 Conference USA) will almost certainly head to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl for the Dec. 24 game and multi-colored leis and aloha signs were easy to spot in the announced crowd of 20,335. An official announcement is pending. David A.K. Matlin, the executive director of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, was in attendance the only time he's attended a game this season.
SMU still has a slim chance it could play at East Carolina in the C-USA title game if Rice upsets Houston tonight.
"They're excited, and they realized the goal," said Jones of the 12 seniors SMU honored after the game. "But I don't think they really get it yet. They talk about the Pony Express and all that, well, guess what, they're going to talk about you guys from here on. I really believe that."
SMU, coming off its second straight 1-11 season, has improved by six wins from 2008, the best single-season improvement ever at SMU.

Dating in the Dark

2009-11-23T09:55:00.008-05:00

Earlier this year I watched a few episodes of ABC's new reality show "Dating in the Dark" that came on after "The Bachelorette." The idea behind the show was to see if singles could make a connection in the pitch black dark without seeing each other and then once their looks were revealed if that connection would last. I loved the idea behind the show...really trying to get to know someone on a deeper level without being distracted by their looks or if they fit your type.

Flash forward a few months and I heard about an Atlanta version of the show. It was put on by the radio station Star94 and took place at the Dialog in the Dark exhibit at Atlantic Station. I was so excited when I was selected as a participant and told that I could bring a friend along with me. Of course I immediately thought of my co-worker Stephanie who just started a new blog: http://project29to30.blogspot.com/. Her goal is to do something she has never done before every day before her 30th birthday. Surely dating in the dark was something new!

To get an idea of how it worked watch this story that CNN did on the event:

Basically it was speed dating in the dark. It was really hard to remember who was who. You speak with each guy for 3 minutes and then it's on to the next. Several Mikes and Matts started blurring together in mind and in the end I didn't match with anyone. Stephanie did but I don't think it was a love connection. After the event we all went over to a nearby restaurant/bar where we could chat in the light. Overall, the experience was cool and I'd definitely do it again. We had a blast meeting new people in such an unusual way and stretching ourselves to go beyond just looks.

Be sure to check out Stephanie's blog for her version of the night coming soon...she's an excellent writer with a great sense of humor so I know her post will be hilarious.

I'm a Homeowner!

2009-11-17T16:42:00.002-05:00

I just got back from the attorney's office and it's official...I own a home!!!

Things went very smoothly and after signing lots and lots of documents it was over...just like that!

Now I'm officially in debt until December 2039!!

SMU Glossy

2009-11-16T14:43:00.002-05:00

New blog dedicated to style on SMU campus....pretty pics and stylish co-eds.
http://smuglossy.wordpress.com/

Kentucky Colonels Day at Churchill Downs

2009-11-16T10:35:00.005-05:00

This past weekend I made the trip up to Louisville, KY for Kentucky Colonels Day at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Colonels is a social and philanthropic group. Each year the group hosts the Kentucky Derby Extravaganza and several other social events as well as donating over a million dollars to deserving Kentucky based non-profits.

I was made a Colonel when I was a teenager and it is a tradition in my family. This weekend's event was held on "Millionaire's Row" at Churchill Downs. We spent the day eating, drinking and watching/betting on the horse races. It was a great weekend!

SMU Homecoming

2009-11-16T10:29:00.003-05:00

Forgive me for being behind on blog posts again!

Two weekends ago I went to Dallas for SMU Homecoming. I wasn't going to go but ended up getting an incredible flight deal and was able to make the trip for just a little more than $100. I saw lots of friends, ate Tex Mex, met new babies, tailgated, watched the football game and bar hopped. It was such a fun weekend being back on campus.

Here are some pics from the weekend:

SMU wins! 31-28

Kristen, Brittany & me on the Boulevard

Chi O family: Meg, Shauna & me

Me holding Tally Harper

Me holding James Dawson

New Sofa

2009-11-03T11:48:00.003-05:00

This weekend I ordered a new sofa that will be delivered when I move in January. Thanks to my grandmother who is giving it to me! I'm so excited. I ordered it from Leather Creations a really cool company based out Atlanta. My parents have a Leather Creations sofa and they are made really well with nice soft leather. Mine will look like this only in black leather with nickel colored nailheads.

Breathalyzer Arrested for DUI

2009-11-02T14:11:00.002-05:00

From affiliate WLWT:
OXFORD -- Oxford police said a man they arrested on suspicion of drunken driving over the weekend was wearing a rather appropriate costume.
A police report said that James Miller, 18, was stopped after officers saw him driving the wrong way on a one-way street just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday. When officers approached, they found Miller was dressed like a Breathalyzer. Police said Miller had a blood-alcohol level of .158 and had multiple Ohio IDs in his wallet. Miller was charged with DUI and underage drinking and released to his girlfriend.

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

2009-11-02T14:09:00.002-05:00

Welcome James Dawson

2009-10-27T09:40:00.003-04:00

Another new addition to blog about...My high school friend Mary Catherine and her husband Jordan welcomed their son James Dawson to the world on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 10:45p. He weighed 7.1lbs His first name comes from his daddy and his middle name from his uncle (MC's brother). I'm excited to see him during my November Dallas trip too.

Check out this adorable picture of Jordan and James...he is waving to the world!

Welcome Tally Harper

2009-10-20T10:31:00.007-04:00

Back in March I announced that my friend Megan was having a baby. Yesterday, Megan and her husband Brad welcomed their daughter Tally Harper to the world. She weighed in at 9.11 lbs and was 22" long. She was born at 2:49p. I'm excited to meet her when I go to Dallas in November.Also, friends Melissa & Shauna have also recently announced that they are expecting Spring babies. This is me and my Chi O family at Shauna's wedding. Shauna is my Chi O Big Sis. She will be having a girl...a Chi O legacy!
My other friend Melissa also recently found out that she is pregnant too. She is due in May and while she doesn't know the baby's sex yet...she does know that her baby will be in the same grade as her older sister Alyson's baby. Alyson is due with her second in November. How fun to have close cousins!

Arabic I

2009-10-12T13:41:00.003-04:00

Last week I started my first Evenings at Emory class learning Arabic. I'm so excited about this course but know after the first class that it will be very challenging. I've been interested in Middle Eastern culture since my days at SMU as a Religious Studies major. Last year, I took a trip through Buckhead Church's Global X to North Africa. During our 9 days we traveled to various cities and lived with different Muslim families. We took classes to learn more about Islam and experienced their daily lives. If you want to read more about the trip you can check out our blog from the trip.

I think it is so essential in today's times that Americans and Christians work to understand Muslims. Just last week there was an article on CNN.com about how nearly 1 in 4 people are Muslim.

I hope that through this class I can begin to learn and understand their language, culture and religion even more.

Scott's Antique Market

2009-10-12T13:32:00.003-04:00

On Saturday my mom and I ventured to South Atlanta for the monthly Scott's Antique Market. It is HUGE! Vendors come from all over the US and set up booths in two expo centers. We got there around 10a and stayed until it closed at 6p. It was a full day of shopping. We were looking for some good furniture finds but unfortunately it didn't have the deals I was looking for. There were some beautiful items but most weren't in my price range. I did get this antique trophy from a vendor from Indiana. I am going to start collecting antique/vintage trophies for my new mantle. This first addition is from 1908. It was given to a Captain from his officers in celebration of his marriage.

No Chicago Olympics

2009-10-02T11:30:00.004-04:00

So much for Obama & Oprah going to save the day...I'm actually excited that Rio got the bid. The Olympics have never been held in South America. It is time.

Another Reason to Love Needtobreathe

2009-10-02T10:52:00.001-04:00

Was doing some research about the band and I found this:

"Named after the University of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, brothers Bear and Bryant "Bo" Rinehart were born and spent much of their childhood in rural Possum Kingdom, SC, where their pastor father ran a church camp. After moving to nearby Seneca, the two siblings were exposed to a variety of music, and started playing instruments themselves. While at Furman University, Bear, besides being an excellent wide receiver (he won the 2002 Banks McFadden trophy for South Carolina football player of the year), also sang and played the guitar and piano, and started performing on-campus with longtime friend and drummer Joe Stillwell. Bo, who was studying architecture at Clemson, was also a guitarist, and he and bassist Joe Bolt joined the duo to form Needtobreathe."

I knew I liked these guys! :)

New Favorite Band

2009-10-02T09:56:00.003-04:00

Last night I went with a friend to the Needtobreathe concert at The Loft in Atlanta. They are from South Carolina originally and put on a great show. They just came out with a new album that I haven't heard but the previous one, "The Heat" is amazing. Check out their tour dates to see if they are coming to your city. It is a concert you won't want to miss.

Hal Hunt Auctions

2009-09-28T14:50:00.002-04:00

This weekend I went home to visit my parents and cheer on Bama as they beat Arkansas! On Sunday my mom took me to the Hal Hunt live auction. These are held several times each year and my mom attends each one. This was my first live auction experience and even though I didn't win anything I had a great time. It was fun to hear the live auctioneer, watch who bid on what and see what great deals you can get.
I can't wait to go back to the next one.

If you are ever near West Alabama on the day of an auction be sure to check it out. It is definitely worth the trip. http://www.halhunt.com/auctions.htm

LOVE THIS!!!

2009-09-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

Rain Rain Go Away!

2009-09-21T23:13:00.003-04:00

It is absolutely crazy here in Atlanta! 5 people have died in the floods and the city is at a standstill. Luckily my apartment is ok (even though it is very close to some flooded areas) and I have power.

Shampoo FAIL

2009-09-17T18:28:00.002-04:00

I got to Saks at 4:30...immediately after work and they were already out of free shampoo. I was MAD! They didn't even have a coupon for a discount or anything as a consolation! BOOOO.

Did anyone have success?

Free Shampoo

2009-09-17T11:23:00.005-04:00

from Daily Candy:

Wash for Clunkers

Some days your do’s so unruly you wish you could change tresses like dresses. Until science catches up with your whims, make some progress of your own: Upgrade your ineffective hair care at Fekkai’s Shampoo Swap event.

This Thursday, September 17, at Saks Fifth Avenue, trade in a full-size bottle (full or empty) of whatever brand you’re currently using for your choice of any new Fekkai Advanced shampoo (one per customer while supplies last, of course). Choose from brilliant Glossing, salon Technician Color Care, or uplifting Full Volume.

The brand new line preserves Fekkai’s legendary pro quality but soups up classic products with innovative technology, textures, and fragrances to make your hair the best accessory you’ll ever wear. Once you fall in love with the suds, get to shoppin’. Any $30 purchase on fekkai.com gets you complimentary shipping and a Fekkai Advanced travel-size shampoo.

SMU 2-0

2009-09-14T23:41:00.003-04:00

On Saturday I traveled to Birmingham to watch SMU take on UAB. We had a great crowd for the road trip and I got to meet up with some old college friends. We think this was the first SMU win we had seen since Fall 2004!

I'm excited for the season. We played a great game and lead the entire time. The final score doesn't reflect the large lead we had until the 3rd quarter. Looking forward to seeing the future of our team under Coach June Jones' lead.

GO MUSTANGS

Labor Free Weekend

2009-09-04T12:06:00.002-04:00

I'm headed to Lake Toxaway, NC with a good friend and her family. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend in the mountains.

EXCITING NEWS!

2009-09-01T11:03:00.004-04:00

I'm under contract for a beautiful townhome!! I'm so excited because I found this place on my own and have done it without the help of a realtor. My mom and I wrote up the contract, had several people look it over, and then I did negotiations myself! It helped the seller save some money and be more willing to negotiate the price.

It is about a mile away from my current apartment so my commute, grocery store, etc... will all stay the same. It is located in a cute small complex that has a pool and each unit has a fenced backyard and each one is also an end unit (only connected on 1 side).

I think it's perfect and can't wait to move to my first place.

Groupon / Dinner Afare

2009-08-28T10:01:00.003-04:00

Once again sorry for the lack of blog posts! I'm back...

If you haven't heard of Groupon, you must sign up. It is really fun! Every day they send out a new discount and you only get it if enough people agree to buy the same thing. It varies each day and you never know what will be up next.

A few weeks ago the Groupon was 50% off at The Dinner A'fare. Not being much of a cook, I have wanted to try this place out. You can select the number and which dinners you purchase. Then you set up a time and go to their SUPER ORGANIZED & CLEAN kitchen to assemble your meals. All are freezable and come with cooking directions.

I went yesterday to assemble my meals and they even give you wine to enjoy while preparing everything. It was a lot of fun. I couldn't wait to try my meals and immediately went home to prepare my first option. The Finger Lick'n Chicken was delicious and I had plenty left over for another meal today.

Check it out!

Whitewater Adventure #2

2009-08-17T10:21:00.004-04:00

On Saturday I went back up to the Ocoee River in Tennessee for my 2nd whitewater trip of the summer. We had a group of 11 friends from Atlanta come to celebrate my friend Elizabeth's birthday.

This time we did the Upper & Middle full day trip. We even rafted the section where the 1996 Olympic kayaking events were held. We had 2 boats with excellent guides and we all managed to stay in the rafts even facing class 5 rapids. Here are some pictures:

Check It Out TONIGHT!!!!

2009-08-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

Click on the picture to experience ONLINE church - 6p EST

Housing Boom

2009-08-12T10:17:00.003-04:00

Lately it seems like everyone around me is trying to get into the real estate market to take advantage of the 1st time home buyers tax credit before the end of November. Two good friends just bought houses and several co-workers are mid process too.

A few months ago I blogged about being disappointed in what I could afford. I did some soul searching and although I can't afford a nice single family home I could get into the market with a townhome. Sooo...after weighing options I decided to move forward with the search again. The amount I pay in rent is almost equivalent to what I'd pay for a nice townhome ...so why not take advantage of the free money.

Any advice from any of you who have been in my shoes before?

Breast Feeding Doll

2009-08-06T11:41:00.003-04:00

What do you think? Appropriate or not?

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-breast-feeding-baby,0,127914.story

Breast Feeding Baby Doll Causes Outrage
KTLA News
August 6, 2009

(KTLA-TV)
Related links
Video: Breast-Feeding Doll Causes Outrage Video

LOS ANGELES -- A Spanish-made baby doll that imitates life, perhaps a little too well, is causing stir with some folks who think the toy maker has gone too far. Berjuan's "Bebe Gloton," which means "gluttonous baby," comes with a special halter top that girls can wear when they want to breast-feed the infant. The top is equipped with flower-shaped "nipples" to make the process seem more realistic. The baby also makes sucking noises while pretend feeding.Critics who spoke to KTLA called the doll "strange" and "too sexual. "One woman thought it was a joke. "There's playing house too. You wouldn't make a doll to show you how you make the babies," she said. Another woman agreed. "I think that kids can play out breast feeding without having a doll that explicitly characterizes that. "Some laughed it off and at least one person thought the baby was harmless. "I think it's o.k., actually," she said. Supporters say the doll is a great teaching tool and shows young girls a very natural and healthy way to nurture a baby. Still most people say they feel the doll is not age-appropriate. Bebe Gloton is sold in Spain.

I LOVE my church

2009-08-02T14:52:00.003-04:00

This morning I literally had tears streaming down my face before church even started...it was really amazing. We connected all 3 of our campuses for a live song experience. There were 5 bands and they alternated performing a part of a song seamlessly as the next campus picked up where the previous one started. I feel so blessed to be able to attend a place with so many creative people who aren't afraid to try new things! Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to be a church where unchurched people want to attend. It is such an amazing place and if you are in the Atlanta area I encourage you to check out what we are doing at North Point, Buckhead or Browns Bridge Churches. It's exciting and contagious...

For those of you NOT in Atlanta...good news. You can soon check it out too! Starting Sunday, August 16th at 6pET we will be live streaming the 6p service at Buckhead Church to EVERYONE via the wonderful WORLD WIDE WEB! Watch these videos & get more information here. It isn't supposed to replace your local church but create an online community for people who want to be a part of our church's mission and aren't local to Atlanta.

Check out the promotional videos below!

North Point Online - Promo 1 from North Point Media on Vimeo.

North Point Online - Promo 2 from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Atlanta Girl shirt...and others

2009-07-27T00:29:00.004-04:00

Found this new shirt site and had to feature the Atlanta Girl shirt...but don't worry there are many other options too.

There's Alabama Girl...

Also Dallas Girl... and many others...Check them out here: http://www.shopfesta.com/southern-girl-tshirts.html

Twitter for Business 101

2009-07-25T04:53:00.001-04:00

Heard lots about Twitter? Don't really get it or how it can HELP YOU and your business/industry?

Check out the newly released Twitter 101 site here: http://business.twitter.com/twitter101