T to the G to the I to the F.

okaaaaay?!

Today, I miss them so much.

 

Do y'all have best friends that you miss all the way down to your tippy toes?

Tell me 'bout em!

Woof.

Just call me Pavlov's dog because I just realized there are some things I do ALL the time out of strange habit. There are a lot of examples but here are four:

- EVERY time I talk to my desk/pod mate Daniel, I apply chapstick.  (strange, i know. its just that the container sits in my pencil thing and every time I turn to the left, I see it... thus.... I swipe. It happens)

- EVERY time I answer the phone and it is my sister I ask "What doing?" in a very particular, twin-specific way. every. time. (i don't know, OK?)

- EVERY time I start whistling, I whistle "Camptown Races." (There is no explanation for me.)

and... maybe the strangest....

- EVERY time I (used to) flip through a phone book, I have to use the restroom. I know. I KNOW. I'm telling you... I would all but wet my pants looking for the phone number to Papa John's.

so....

woof!

An Open Letter to Snow

Dear Snow,

How can it be time for a visit of yours again? It used to be that we only saw each other once every year...sometimes more if we could both work it out. I'll be honest; it was a schedule that worked for me.

Its not to say I don't enjoy our visits. Its moreso that you've worn out your welcome. I don't know how else to put it. I know it makes me a jerk and I'm (sort of) sorry. The bottom line remains that I need you to leave town until next Christmas. (If you could show up on Christmas Eve, that would be SO fetch).

So, in conclusion, thanks for coming and bringing joy to the masses. Thank you, even more, for HITTING THE BRICKS and making way for my true love... Spring.

xoxox,
Kelley

ps. I won't get rid of any of our pictures together. I'll need them when I miss you.

designer Jimmy just whipped this up.

I could used to it. ;)

Reader Appreciation- Red Head Edition

I do not even know where to begin with this intro.

To know Emily is to love her. She not only has a warm smile that instantly greets but a little raspy voiced follow up that wins your heart. This could EASILY be a photo blog. Let's see if we can, shall we?

 cutest human child? yes.

 Proud sister (and ultimate "awkward face maker") to the one-and-only Sam Purnell

  Wife to the too-fabulous-for-words Justin

goofball

model!

hottie (see what i did there?)

honestly.... the BEST kind of friend.

party animal.

If I could bottle up some of the joy Emily brings EVERYWHERE, it would be very expensive. There is always laughter. Hard laughter. Just ask me to tell you embarrassing stories... I figured I would restrain myself today. But... two words: zip. line.

She's a dreamer, a lover of people, a fun-maker and the kind of person that just makes things better. Here's to you, Emmy. Thanks for being a faithful reader and bestie.

LOVE YOU!

TGIF

There's just something about a sunny FRIDAY, y'all!

Every now and then, I will say or do something that makes me laugh. At myself. Alone.

Today was one of those days. I stepped out on to my front porch this morning, took a deep breath and quite literally raised my arms up over my head and smiled from ear to ear. Anyone watching (like the dude working on the neighbor's house) probably giggled a little. I just couldn't keep it inside! Total joy at the fact that I started the day with a talk with Kris, SUN piercing into my room, a slightly warmer twinge to the air and that the weekend is so close I can taste it!

Today was a super fun (sun filled) lunch with Jake-the-coworker at San Antonio Taco Co. (SATCO, for short) on the porch! Just look at the fun Jake and I had!

Yes, I had two delicious fajitas. With guacamole. YUMMIE.

You may recognize Jake from the roads of Nashville. Just look at his "new" ride. SO SWEET.

 

A lovely 1964 Buick Electra 225 (or a "deuce and a quarter", I'm told)

Plans for my weekend include (but are not limited to) the following:
- hoop walking/training - a 6 miler!
- shooting a video
- babysitting two of the most adorable human children you've ever seen.
- Attending a bridal shower for 5 girls... (i told you everyone I know is getting married)
- sleeping in
- square dancing. No seriously.

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend and get out to enjoy the sun!

xo.

Happy.

John Denver was right... it DOES make me happy.

 

Waking up to the delightful sun (when we've had weeks of clouds and snow) was like a visit from an old friend. How I've missed you.

Hot(ties) off the Press

"Now, make the awkward arms out pose.."

I wish I could express how much I love that bride right there.

Team Thomas for LIFE!

It is not yet 10am...

...but I have already:

- inexplicably slammed into a trash can in my neighborhood on my way to work- dislodging a mirror. neat.
- found out that one of my life long besties has found the man of her dreams (WE NEED TO TALK. :) )
- discovered mold on a neighboring piece of Ezekiel Bread and still decided to eat the piece in my hand.
- rocked out to the Top 100 from the 80's.

Happy Happy Wednesday!!

Angel Voice

Whoa.

Two words: Brandi Carlisle.

She has the most booming and controlled, gorgeous voice. I am blown away. Here, I taped some of her awesomeness for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBhXT124txM

Also... just got home and watched LOST.

WHOA.

Misunderstanding is in the Eyes of the Neighbor

There are a handful of people in my life for whom I would, without hesitation, take a bullet. Two of those people are Kristin and Chad. So, their battles are my battles.

Kris and Chad bought their first home on this lovely little street in Columbia about 8 months ago. They have poured their hearts in to this great home and it shows! They both love to entertain, so having folks in to their home is the standard. Additionally, there was a season where Blake, Chad's brother lived with them.

Why the history lesson?

Well, last night I got a phone call from a perturbed twin who had, just moments earlier, learned (from a different gossipy neighbor than the author of the original lie) that it is common neighborhood belief that they are drug dealers! MY LITTLE TWIN AND BRUDDER IN LAW!

For starters.... seriously?! I could hear Chad laughing in the background which made me hear the words for how funny they really are. What a ludicrous accusation. What a sad misunderstanding. What a drag. Folks who have never made an effort to know them have deduced (from an ever lit porch light and the presence of Blake's truck) that something illegal is amiss.

But, really, I do this sort of thing all the time. I jump to conclusions with the best of 'em. In fact, upon arrival back home on Sunday, the loudest bang flooded over our home. I was certain it had come from next door. In a millisecond, I decided it was not only a gunshot but that my neighbor was in his car having just been shot. Shaking, I couldn't find my phone. We decide to go look outside instead of call the cops... only to find it was an exploded transformer. More than meets the eye, indeed. (I'm sorry. I had to.)

So, while I was completely annoyed last night, at the thought of K&C being slandered (dramatic but true) in their 'hood, I had to remember... I am just as guilty of silly gossip. Words are so powerful. I probably have a moment at least every day where I wish, "If I had only kept my mouth shut" and that will be a life-long struggle. But I will struggle with it. I'm not giving in.

There's no such thing as changing people's minds, really. Kris and Chad will likely not have a great relationship with their neighbors, but its possible to have one. My hope is that they make an effort to reach out to the ones who have jumped to such conclusions and mirror grace to them.

...and maybe bring them some brownies just to keep them guessing.

Valentimes Card from Cam

 

That just happened.

My diddy is the best. 

(though I do think he hired a 3 year old ghostwriter)

post script

*last night when Chelsea and I were on our Valentine's date to the movies, we saw Big (on right) of "Big and Rich" along with some other country music singers I couldn't identify. (I know, I'm disappointed too.)

Somehow, it made seeing "Crazy Heart" more poignant having watched it next to an aging country musician.

Love is in the Air!

I am just a sucker for Valentines Day! I have always loved it. I can't help myself!

There's a tradition among my friends in Nashville and that is a cabin getaway. It was nearly thwarted this year. The snow (that will NOT QUIT IT, ALREADY) threatened to keep us grounded. (Though, I'm fairly sure we would have just congregated at someone's house in Nashville if push had come to shove.) Fortunately, we didn't have to. Sara's family graciously let us take over their house on Pickwick Lake in Mississippi.

Y'all.

This house was RIDICULOUS.

The very idea that it ended up being our "Plan B" is nothing but humorous.

I was too busy having the time of my life to snap as many pictures as I could have. But here are some:

We sat around and enjoyed every meal together, hiked, had jam sessions (ridiculously talented musicians with us = amazing ear bliss), and danced the night away twice at the local bar where we tripled the population by showing up 15 deep. A wonderful time was had by all and I only wish we were going back next weekend.

THANK YOU, DAILEY FAMILY (who made all of our vacation dreams come true) and Sara (who took such good care of us all weekend!)

Happy (late) Valentine's Day! I wish you puppies, cut-out hearts, and excessive sugar intake.

xo,
Kelley

ps. you'll get a visual of the card dad sent me later on. A picture is the only thing that will do it justice.

ITS TIME FOR THE MOUNTAINS!

In approximately 1.5 hours, I (and around 14 other peeps) will head to the mountains of western NC to enjoy a weekend of NOTHING but fun! :)

I am so excited about this! It will be a 4/5 hour drive (which I've already called SHOTGUN for, duh. You can't leave these things to chance) and then nothing but uber-relaxing fun to be had by all.

Oh, winter.... you do have your benefits.

**UPDATE**

...and then the weather said, "NOT SO FAST."

The roads are icy and closed. So, we may be going nowhere this weekend. Sad. Sad. Sad.

The Daily cabin may come thru in a pinch. We shall see...

Oh what a night.

WHAT a show! John brought his A-game last night, friends.

There are a few reasons for it.

1. He played the best set list... which included my not-oft-played favorite song "Comfortable" and the most lovely blend of new and old tunes. It is rare to go to a show where I know every single song he could possibly play. Well, save the covers he rocks out. (Which included some Fleetwood stanzas, no less.) A total delight.

2. Working the Headcount booth was a total blast! Celia, Paula and Yancey are the salt of the earth and we just plan had a riot. Got some folks registered to vote, raised some money for Haiti and cornered tweens left and right to talk to us.

**Multiple times, I heard myself sounding like Carol when I said things like, "I just want to hug that little girl and give her a whole dress to wear instead of what she's got on"**

3. John had a bad day yesterday. He did a raunchy interview that exposed him as a total idiot and, just so happened, to surface yesterday... hours before the show. He made, what seemed like, a humble and emotional apology. It was on the heels of one of my favorite songs, so I just happened to be filming it. Once I figure out how to edit/shrink the file, I will upload it for you. He seems to want to be less plugged in to media and spend more time just playing his guitar.

All in all, an epic evening that was shamelessly enjoyed by Chelsea and me fist-pumping in the nosebleeds. We just happened to park it a few rows above Coco and Jimmy. There were approximately 42 text messages exchanged through the evening and, we all know, that means a good time. 

Stay tuned. 

xo

Music City SPOTTING!

I love this town!!

Sweet co-worker Lauren is working at a local coffee shop (Sam & Zoe's) and GUESS who was there with her.....Alice Cooper!

He is looking old. Never a dull moment!

Upon calling my mother to tell her of said spotting:
Carol: he's pretty straight these days, bunny (WHAT? that's what she calls me) he golfs.
me: Golfing and biting the heads off bats don't really seem to go together. *
Carol: Its a living.


 [that (and no other) are ever an exaggeration. She's that funny]

After chatting about my excitement for the concert tonight, her sign-off was "look your hottest."

wise words, mother.

***ADDENDUM: Adam graciously pointed out that I have my pop culture rodent eating information backwards... It was Ozzy Osbourne. Whatev. ***

Up n At Em

There's just something about starting the day with a workout. It sets the tone for the day!

It hurt to wake up at 6:30a but I tell you what... It was made easier by the fact I fell SOUND asleep on the couch at 9:30 last night. Smack in the middle of the DVR'd episode of Lost. More on that in a minute.

I actually woke up completely on my own at 5:40a this morning. I decided I was not interested in actually getting up then and I so wish I had! My alarm went off at 6:30 and scared me to death. I, of course, managed to rock another little sleep pattern and was worthless because of it. Next time... it is on! I'll wake up every roommate if I have to. Just to have someone to chat with before the YMCA. I wonder how that will go over.

Anyhow, I got to the gym, worked it on out (upper body weight-lifting style), got home and made breakfast all before 8am. I took a pic of my breakfast because it looked so pretty! Yes, that's an egg over easy (or something?? All I know is that it has a runny yolk... which I LOVE), toasted Ezekiel bread and a nectarine.

Why don't I do this more often? I think I shall. Eating leftovers from dinner for breakfast is for the birds. This breakfast was the perfect way to finish watching LOST! I seriously think it was better than the season premiere. One word... CLAIRE! Y'all. We need to talk if you are a Lost follower like me.

On a different note, I'm headed to the John Mayer show after work and could not be more excited!! Chelsea and I are volunteering with "HeadCount" today... getting folks registered to vote. Thus- we get to rock out for free! I'm way too excited about hearing Johnny play those tunes live for the first time since seeing them on Daniel Island in 2004! I rather enjoy "Battle Studies" because I enjoy whatever he pens. It is deeply dark and sad but, ironically, set to his most upbeat rhythms yet. "Half of My Heart" and "Who Says" are some of the saddest material out there...yet both down right chipper. I think I hummed along without really listening the first few times. It seems he's trying to be a creative contradiction and. like most of his efforts, it is working.

I can't help myself. I will always be a true blue John lovah.

(sidenote: how sad am I to miss seeing my most guilty pleasure band?? BLACK EYED PEAS are playing Friday at the Sommet Center and I'll be out of town... having more fun... but still. Love me some BEP!)

Have a great day, friends! Hope your Wednesday is also awesome!

xo

Book Club in Salisbury, NC

...looks like this:

mom: I'm so excited! I ordered antipasto for the home
me: what?
mom: I'm having all the girls over tonight for book club and we're going to have wine, pizza, antipasto and a chocolate fountain
me: that sounds incredible! I'm so proud of you right now.
mom: me too! our book is "How Dolly Parton Saved My Life".

viva carol!

Is it a deal breaker?

...if I prefer Bryan Adams over Ryan Adams?

I realize I'm taking a huge chance here, people. I know its not the cool choice.

BUT I CAN'T HELP MYSELF, okay?

happy ears

Crosby, Stills and Nash just FITS my day (and most days) like this:

and yes, those are the Cabela Bowhunter Ranger gloves. Good eye.

pain or progress?

Well, you may notice that yesterday was a complete compilation of randomness. In addition to the excitements briefly mentioned, I squeezed in a quick visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as an engagement party (for Lex and Jason) and a belated Groundhog's Day party at Kelly's! May it be known, Kelly was my partner in crime for the mall awesomeness yesterday... THAT is a friend. :)

So, it occurs to me that I neglected to give you the details on the public massage. Let me paint a picture. There were something like 15 ergonomic chair/stool things that allow you to face the floor while not lying down. Ya know... cuz that would be weird. In a mall. In front of "Things Remembered" or "Pac Sun" or something.

Right. There we are, at *just* after 10am, hopping over to be the first clients of these all-too-kind Chinese men. DO NOT be fooled. My guy seemed nice enough. He looked like he'd sooner paint model ships than hurt anything.. but I was wrong, friends. Homeboy had the force of Jackie Chan in his finger tips. It was as if I'd stolen something from him. He rocked my shoulders, back and... I'll say it.... butt.

Time out. You should know my usual beef with massage therapists is simply that they don't put their back in to it. I'm no delicate flower. I'm generally getting a massage because months of tension have built up in my shoulders and they are challenging my life. So, when Rita Rub-down lightly touches my shoulders, I get annoyed. This was NOT the case this time.

May I call him Jackie?

Jackie started nicely enough. He used his whole forearm to rub my upper back. Awesome. Got after my shoulders to severely that I started to hear a grinding noise. I usually don't hear my muscles making noises, but still... felt so awesome, I didn't mind. Until Jackie started attacking my back by region. Unrelenting. I had no words. There was no stopping him. Kelly referred to it as white pain... you tell yourself its worth it, so you power through.

It was only 20 minutes worth of mind melting pain but I will have bruises to show for it.

And then I will go back.

THIS girl has never been SO loose in the shoulder/neck region. My muscles tried to fight it but, soon realized it was easier to play dead. And dead they feel... still.

Subject jump: since we're the kind of friends that tell each other things, I feel it necessary to confess something else to you. YES. I saw "Dear John" today with Chelsea. YES. We cried. YES. I liked it... there was so much Charleston... how could I not?! I had two favorite moments that had nothing to do with the movie. First was when Chelsea shooshed me for sneezing. But, my favorite moment was at one of the most intense moments in which every deep emotion is being catered-to. The overwhelming feeling is that you are supposed to feel desperately sad for this dude. Well, I became fixated on the fact that the paper was not burning in the fire. WHY would paper not burn? Hollywood, you can't just rewrite all the rules. Anyhow, just then, Chelsea whispers, "maybe the paper is Jacob*" and there was NO holding it together. I started laughing so uncontrollably that I feel sure I ruined the movie for the couple sobbing in the row above us.

Worth it.

*For anyone without awesome TV watching taste, Jacob is a LOST reference to a central character who is epic, elusive and mysterious... and jumps bodies and what not*

can't say that anymore

If I'd ever been tempted to utter the words, "I will never go hoop walking in a mall," I certainly can't say it any longer.

Before noon, I had hoop walked four laps of the 2nd floor at Cool Springs Mall (pissing off every old lady mall-walker for miles), gotten a public shoulder/back massage from a freakishly strong Asian man and purchased two cardigans from a tweener store.

Now, time for a nap.

Yay for Saturdays!

happy birthday, funny man.

Today is Christopher Guest's 62nd birthday today!

He is the mastermind behind each of my favorite mock-u-mentaries! "Best in Show", "A Mighty Wind" (which will always make me think of the Brodines!) , and "Waiting for Guffman." What would this world be like without the comedic timing of one Christopher Guest??

I love laughing.

Additionally, it is Will "Marth-mellow" Marth's birthday! Funny men come in pairs, obviously.

unrelated but equally true...

Mindy Kaling (Kelly from "the Office") once said that she'd rather someone get a hold of her diary than her ipod... and I totally agree!

The reason I confess is because, while I have great tune-age, I just rocked out to "Careless Whisper" by Wham! and George Michael (on repeat) for the last 10 minutes.

drinkin' the kewl ayde

y'all.

I don't know when I've ever had such a profound sense of satisfaction and delight in my job as I have the last couple weeks. A gift, to be sure.

I am...

xo,
k

Reader Appreciation- Hometown Edition

This blog post goes out to my inaugural "Reader of the Month" (drumroll, please)...

Lindsey Clerico Schubert!

I write her whole name because that is how I "know" her. Roomate has told me numerous stories of the good ole soccer days enjoyed in Summerville, SC with Lindsey. That's right, friends. We are all from God's country... Summerville.

Lindsey and her husband, Jason, now live in Virginia with their awesome dog Nacho. I wish they lived closer because I feel sure we would be the kinds of friends that take turn making chili and go places together. Alas, we are separated by miles but, thanks to the blog-o-sphere, that is a non issue.

Check out her/their amazing blog HERE. I have so much to learn. Just LOOK at that sleek aesthetic not to mention the thoughtfulness, hilarity and crazy-gifted camera skills.

Lindsey, I'm excited we'll be virtual friends until we actually meet. In the meantime, you're fabulous and CONGRATS on being the first of my highlighted readers. I only wish that was worth something... like Reese's Pieces or something similarly awesome.

Here's to YOU!

What did I ever do to a bird?!

ah, snap!

Y'all are the sweetest.

Thanks for participating in my life, friends!

My little heart wells up inside me when I see Cambridge, Wexford, Waco, Tupelo and Akron. MOSTLY because I have no idea who you are and it makes me giddy. :)

In other news, one of my faves was nominated for an Academy Award for "Best Picture"!!!!

SO exciting when a heartwarming film gets a nod! Sure, "Precious" was probably brilliant... I just can't bring myself to watch it...yet. I will. "Inglorious Basterds" was supposedly amazing.... I just couldn't make it past the first ten minutes. And I wish I'd skipped that! Call me a lightweight. JUST fine with me. I will always think Quentin Tarantino is a whack job. I do still want to see "Hurt Locker" as it was nominated and sounds riveting. Anyone see that?

So, here's to Oscar season and to the big guns... just sometimes... getting it right.

Chipotle!

ay caramba- that was yummy!!

Trey, Kat, Jeff and I tried Chipotle today and my, was it ever deelish.

I plan to keep the magic going as I have a wee bit of leftovers.

It was my inaugural expeer and I plan to go back soon. Don't we look like we're having fun??

xo
k

Video!

After much fighting with ole blogger, I have caved and posted these treats on YouTube.

I present.... my weekend. More or less.

Click HERE for an intro to the weekend

Click HERE for a visual of my roomie hooping.

wow.