Reba reference? Anybody?

I’m totally going to answer [most] of your Grammy questions. So leave some more if you got ‘em. You bring the Qs, I’ll bring the As.

Sadly, I’m about 12 minutes away from losing the internet at Current House. The cable guy is meeting me tomorrow at Future House, so I have to take all the gear over there tonight.

The full move to Future House will be complete Saturday night.

And it cannot come soon enough. Because moving? In the rain? At night [It's Thursday night... oh tricky auto-posting]? With a Toyota Camry as the moving truck? It’s less than ideal.

Be back ASAP.

[By the way, there's a new video up on the Subway Get Fit Challenge page.... hope you laugh. Cause truly. I'm a dork.]

Oops. They haven’t posted it yet…. I guess check back later? I dunno…. maybe Monday. Whah whah.

Ok. Let’s do this.

Let’s talk Grammys.

There is no way. Absolutely no way. For me to do justice to the event. I’m not going to go hour by hour telling you all the people we saw and hung out with, the things we ate [though I am talking about that at Annie Gets Fit today] and the places we went.

But I am going to show a few pics and give out a few Gr-Annies of my own. [I will not be giving any of these Gr-Annies to the members of Lady A- they already got a Grammy. So don't think I don't love my people. Cause sheesh. I do.]

Gr-Annie for “being every bit as beautiful in real life as she is on television” = Lea Michele from Glee.

Gr-Annie for “wow the TV really, uh, makes you look great” = Kathy Griffin

Gr-Annie for “celebrity that made me laugh the most from stage” = Jack Black

Gr-Annie for “celebrity that made me laugh the most in person” = Dierks Bentley

Gr-Annie for “I hope we’re friends forever” = Miranda Lambert

Gr-Annie for “coolest person I saw up close” = Elton John

Here are some things that I absolutely loved:

• Breakfast. Every morning, Hill and Lara and I would order room service and they had an awesome egg white wrap- spinach wrap around an egg white, black bean, and grilled chicken mix. Oh. My. Gracious. It was delicious.
• Having a driver. Nothing wrong with not having to worry about getting lost.
• The red carpet. I will not lie. Being there was awesome.
• The live performances. They were amazing.
• Lady Antebellum WINNING A GRAMMY. Y’all. We were out of control. And they so deserved it. They are pretty close to taking over the world. I hope you’re ready to bow to the Lady A.

Here are some pictures:

Here is Lady A being interviewed a few days before the Grammys. This was an interesting experience- radio and television crews were set up all over the room and musicians just were led from one media outlet to another. It was cool.

Duh. I got a talent sticker. You had to have one of these to get into the rehearsals. Don’t worry- I saved them all. Obviously.

This was at rehearsals. I wasn’t supposed to take pictures. I even got yelled at by a security guy. I’m such a rebel when it comes to what I’ll do for my blog readers.

Here is Hillary and I after the first event, MusiCares. I don’t know if you’ve heard of this organization, but it’s awesome. If a musician gets in financial trouble, or needs rehab or medical bill assistance, they can apply to MusiCares for help. I was really impressed. This is where Jack Black was the host and y’all. Every bit as funny in real life. Every bit.

Here is me and Hillary on the red carpet. I’m not really this short- she is in some serious heels and [don't tell my stylist friend Amber] I am in flats. Y’all. I just couldn’t do it again. My dogs were barking a pitiful tune by Sunday. So I broke every style rule and wore flats to the Grammys. Sorry, but I’m not sorry. It was the best decision ever.

Here are Adam and Dave on the red carpet. Adam is a dear friend and he is the video guy for Lady A. So if you’ve ever seen a Webisode Wednesday, those are all Adam’s work. He’s awesome. Dave is also a good friend and he’s in Lady A. [I have no pictures of Charles and his wife Cassie which is a tragedy of epic proportion.]

Also, because I don’t quit being me [i.e- flats], when Hillary said “Wow, your eyeshadow looks awesome,” I said, “Really? Prove it.” So I closed my eye cause, can you blame me, I wanted to see it.

I know. I’m an idiot.

And finally. I have to say. I cannot begin to thank Hillary enough. The idea that she would even invite me. It’s really so so kind. And the rest of the Lady A family. They worked hard to make me feel like I was just one of them. They are all wonderful and I’m about to get all teary and tore up about it. I could not have had more fun and I could not love them any more than I do right now.

Ok. Enough softy business.

Final thing: Do you have any questions? I feel like maybe there is some stuff y’all want to know about the Grammys. I dunno. If there is a burning question, leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer in a post tomorrow.

I don’t know what to say.

I didn’t read the comments much during the day yesterday. But last night, around 11:30pm, I finally sat down and read them all. Every. Last. One. Of. Them.

And I don’t know what to say.

[But let's be honest. That has never stopped me before.]

Thank you. To those who commented and to those who didn’t. To those who understand because you’ve been here, you are here, or to those who don’t totally get it.

The whole time I was in LA, I kept looking at my friends and saying thank you. It felt weak. It doesn’t fully express my gratitude. Because I did NOTHING to deserve the kindness that I was shown, getting to go on that trip and experience the Grammys [which I promise I'll talk about soon].

And in the same vein, I have done NOTHING to deserve your support. But I am deeply grateful.

So thank you. I am moved beyond belief. I am challenged by your hope.

It’s really weird to talk about this. I don’t think it’s gonna get any easier. I’m learning so so much and I’m making mistakes and forming new habits. But I want you to know that every day I’m trying my hardest to make good choices and fit in exercise.

I won’t be blogging much here about this journey- it was mostly be over at Annie Gets Fit, so make sure you’ve bookmarked that or subscribed if you want to read along. Because though this is a big part of my life, it is NOT my life. My identity isn’t in my body or my blog or my high fashion sense [I hear snickering. Rude.] or in my friendships.

My identity is in the One who makes all things new.

Here at AnnieBlogs, we’re going to stick to the important topics, like how to fold things [next up, a bad hand!], what music we should be buying, how Jesus changes my life, and the fact that I am moving to a new house in Nashville in four days and I have approximately four boxes packed.

Aye carumba.

Be ye not concerned. Tomorrow you shall receive a full, detailed, photos-included recap of my time in LA including, but not limited to, THE GRAMMYS.

[Preview: It. Was. Awesome.]

But first. Something important and serious and personal.

My weight.

Even now, my stomach hurts and I’m hating this post. In fact, I just rolled my eyes and said, “hating this post” out loud as I typed it. [Totally a Kathleen Kelly/You've Got Mail thing to do.]

But you are my people. The handful of you friends that show up here every day deserve to know what is going on. And truth be told, I feel like this is a big part of what God is doing in this next season of my life. So, here’s the story:

I saw a commercial a few weeks ago about the Subway Get Fit Challenge. Many local NBC affiliates are hosting it in their town. Including Nashville. It’s like a local Biggest Loser- 10 finalists, all weighing on TV, working out, eating right, being interviewed through the whole process. The contest ends in May.

In some stroke of insanity, I applied. They would be taking 10 finalists but hundreds would apply.

I made the top 15. And because I love you and I love God, I’m not going to repeat what I said right when I found out. Because shock makes people utter things that they normally would not utter. Forgive me.

I’m not going to go into the details of the emotional roller coaster that was the next few days. It involved telling some people. Doing an interview at Channel 4. Then waiting four days to see if I made the cut to the top 10.

I did.

And today, we aren’t going to talk about the emotional heart side of things. Bear with me. I just can’t. It’s really hard.

But, instead, I will give you some instructions. Because HELLO I AM ON TELEVISION AND IF I CAN FORGET THE WEIGHT PART I AM THRILLED.

Across the top of this page is a ANNIE GETS FIT tab (if not now, soon, I promise!). That will remain here throughout the contest. That will link you directly to my personal page on the WSMV site. There you will see some facts about me [which please, don't bring up. Seriously. I know in my head that you can all see my weight on that page, but I'm pretending like you can't. Maybe that's crazy. I don't care.] You will also see a new blog video every Friday and a new blog post once a week.

Also, here’s the main website so you can see my competitors. They are all great. For realz.

Here’s what you may want to do: subscribe to the ANNIE GETS FIT blog. Leave comments there or here or anywhere. I get ‘em all.

Also, for your viewing pleasure- HERE is the first segment that ran on Nashville TV. My friends in Nash? They are amazing.

There’s a lot to say about all of this. A whole whole lot. I’m grateful that I got picked because I’m excited about this journey. And terrified. And embarrassed. And honored. That’s a mess of emotion that we’ll unpack in the future.

But here’s the thing I need from you: just. pray. Pray I don’t quit. Pray I honor God. Pray I work hard. Pray that when this is all said and done, that no matter what the scale says, God will have received the glory. ALL the glory. This isn’t just about me. As Donald Miller says, this is a story about the forest and I am just a tree.

A chubby tree. For now.

[I know this post is long. Sorry. But this is a huge deal for me and I just needed to type it all out. Forgive me and check out the links. Thanks.]

Get it? Cause I’ll be at the Grammys? Gram-MEs? Oh, and some legitimately famous people will be there too. Obviously.

But just in case you needed a reminder [I bet you didn't because hello I can't quit talking about it], watch the Grammys tonight and let’s keep our fingers crossed that Lady A wins both Grammys that they are up for!

And let’s keep our fingers crossed that I don’t:

1. fall down
2. tear my dress
3. tear someone else’s dress [it could happen. don't put it past me.]
4. trip in the high heels
5. frown on camera [if they don't win]
6. scream like a maniac [if they do win]
7. pass out [wouldn't that be horrible??]

I can’t wait to recap the whole experience for you. But for today, just keep up with me on twitter. Cause when there is a Justin Timberlake sighting, I’m gonna tweet that junk for realz.

I’m being picked up in 3 minutes to go to the airport.

And I’m leaving my computer at home. I just plain ran out of space.

But I managed to fit 8 pairs of shoes for 5 days. So. Deal with that math.

I can’t believe it’s really here.

I’m also currently on the phone with Comcast getting our cable transferred, so you can imagine how productive blogging is going right now.

Ok, now my friend Graham [who we call Grammy, isn't that interesting] is here to pick me up. She went to the Grammys last year with Hillary, so she’s giving me the lowdown. Including how to deal with someone helping you get dressed.

Oh. Sheesh.

Since I don’t have my computer, the best way to keep up with me is via twitter. If there is one thing I love, it’s twitpics. So get ready.

But are totes worth it.

First of all, sorry my blog was broken this morning. It happens.

Here are some clicks for today that, while they aren’t free, are all awesome.

First of all, my friend Lady Antebellum released their sophomore album today and it. is. great. So click on this iTunes button and it will send you straight to the new album Need You Now. You won’t regret it.

Also, our friend Dave Barnes has released the first single from his new album. The single is “God Gave Me You” and good gracious, people. That’s a good way to spend 99 cents. [I gave Dave a dollar one time. But it's because I lost a bet. It involved a lot of skewers of chicken. And he won. Cause he loves chicken on a skewer more than you would believe.]

Anyways, click on this iTunes button and you can spend a dollar on Dave. For a much better gift than watching him eat 20+ skewers of chicken. Trust. Me.

Finally, tonight is going to be so.much.fun. I’ll be there. Dave will be there. Brandon Heath will be there. Matt Wertz will be there. And YOU can be there too! For only $1.50! And you can be in your pajamas. [But we won't.]

It’s a live concert, streaming online, with songs, interviews, and me running the live twitter stream! And the money goes to building wells in Africa. So tonight at 8pm CST, log on to the Mocha Club website and watch the concert.

Go ahead and register NOW then remind yourself to come tonight! I’ll see you there!!

I know there are some more albums coming out today– any recommendations from you??

I have a new post up today at SheSeeks about changing careers.

You know, something I may do again. Who knows.

Also, if you leave a comment, you could win THIS AWESOME BOOK from my friend Shannon.

So check check check check check it out. [Say that out loud to yourself like you are a rapper. Cause maybe that will be my next career, and I'll need a posse.]

And. There’s a video there that I made last week. I’m gonna let you find that on your own. [Cause maybe I'll be a treasure hunter next, and again. I'll need a posse.]

I spent my Sunday afternoon sitting on the couch reading a book.

Well. Officially. Reading a book on my Kindle.

[I know. Santa showed up in Nashville and left this for me. And I freaked. Cause hello. It's a Kindle and I love to read and hello I love technology.]

[No Kip joke needed.]

I’m reading a book for our book club called The Help. If you haven’t read it, you. must. It’s wonderful. [My mom and my friend Carrie told me to read it- I didn't listen. I should just listen.]

And while reading the day away, I remembered what it was like to be me. In 1987. And in 1993. And in 2001. And every year in between.

Because I. Love. To. Read.

It’s been a long time since I found a book that was this irresistible [also see: most books by Mary DeMuth, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, Christy, and Harriet the Spy]. But here are the signs that I have found such a book:

1. I insist on reading while drying my hair which slows the process down significantly. And could add a full HOUR to my morning. It’s a sickness.
2. I stay up WAY.LATE. reading every night and I usually wake up with my book (or Kindle) still tucked under my arm.
3. I set timers/alarms. “Ok, Annie. At 4:20 you HAVE to get up and fold your laundry.” 4:20 comes, I keep reading.
4. I take the book everywhere with me and read when I should be making friends. [Which is awesome with the Kindle because it syncs to my iPhone. Can you even BELIEVE that? They. Sync. The Jetsons have nothing on us.]
5. When I was little, I used to read in the tub. And I would read for so long that I used up all the hot water in the house. Parents = not too pleased.

I grew up in a house where we didn’t watch TV. Reading was my main form of entertainment. And playing outside. And so I read. A lot.

And sometimes I forget that the girl that used to use up all the hot water and drop her book in the tub, the girl who carried a book in the car everywhere she went, the girl who devoured books until deep into the night…..

that girl is still here.

She sometimes gets covered up with emails, dinners out with friends, television shows, or being an adult in general, but I enjoyed being Book Nerd Annie again Sunday. And probably today. And on my flight to LA on Wednesday.

Cause I just remembered how much I like Book Nerd Annie.

Well, for about 10 hours, the inside of my blog was broken. I don’t know how to explain that any better except to say that WOW THAT WAS FRIGHTENING [cause I thought, for a while, that the ole snoozle blog might be the last thing you hear from AnnieBlogs, and what a dumb way to go out].

But yay for my blog-boss Lauren for fixing it!

So all’s well now. Moving right along…..

Believe it or not [I think that saying is dumb], I have not one, not two, but THREE videos for you today.

I know. It’s like Hanukkah -5.

First of all, I have a video blog up at SheSeeks today. About ice cream. Sorta. Check it out, yo.

Secondly, Mocha Club is doing this cool thing next week where Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, and Brandon Heath are going to do a live online concert. They will be singing some of their songs, interviewing each other [prepare. to. laugh.], and talking about clean water in Africa. HERE are all the details. And here is the promo video.

Funniest part to me: at 0:21 when Matt can’t figure out what to do with his hands. That’s humorous.

So, I’d love you for you to join us next Tuesday. I’ll be there guarding the twitter stream and picking out the questions for the boyz to answer. I’m tellin’ y’all. It’s gonna be a good time.

The final video is a Grammy update. Here’s the first dress fitting, post alterations, with Pattie the seamstress, Amber the stylist, and Lauren the… uh… funny one.

Music for the videos was provided by Seth Philpott, Dave Barnes, and Adam Agin (in that order).

Really. Don’t panic about the black dress. It’ll fit perfect in a week. Ladies, you know how this works.

Sorry that all my videos are the same, a pattern if you will. Music. Black screen. Words. Pictures. It’s boring, but it’s all I know.

Happy Thursday.