May, 2010

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I’m glad I didn’t have a blog in 2000.

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Because I bet I would have written about sitting on the 18th row at the NSYNC concert in Atlanta. And I would have thought for certain that I was cool.

It may be true or false [true] that I just spent approximately 15 minutes watching old clips of the glory days of NSYNC.

And glory days they were.

This is also true: I loved New Kids on the Block when I was in the 4th grade. Because that is an appropriate age to have severe crushes on boy bands.

I loved NSYNC when I was TWENTY.

Oh the shame.

But can you blame me? This is entertainment.

Now I feel good because I know I have filled your Thursday with joy.

Carry on.

Posted in Ze Bloggy Goodness | 18 Responses »

Usurped by granola.

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

I intended to blog poetically today.

And instead, I spent the entirety of my evening volleying between my couch and the kitchen, setting the oven timer for 8 minute increments- attempting to make homemade granola.

I think, to give you the full picture of my experience, I should mention these things.

a) I didn’t have all the necessary ingredients. For example, in lieu of cinnamon, I had to use pumpkin pie spice. And being that I only had one type of oats, I used a lot and then added craisins.

[I'm nothing if not kitchen creative.]

b) I didn’t measure well. And I was trying to use up all the honey in my honey bear. So there is a slight chance [real chance] that there was an abundance of honey in ye old granola.

I couldn’t bring myself to call Amber, the local granola goddess. She is full of grace and forgiveness, but I just didn’t want her to know I was actively butchering her recipe [the granola recipe is yours for the taking, by the way].

[Also. Amber and I made videos about making granola. A granola shopping trip and a granola cooking class.]

When I made said granola last night, instead of it taking 17 minutes to cook at 350 degrees, it cooked for ONE HOUR.

ONE HOUR.

I thought I was done after 17 minutes. I pulled the granola out and celebrated my culinary success with a bowl of granola and yogurt [raspberry goji yogurt, just FYI]. At this point, I realized it was sticky. Like major sticky. Like definitely not crispy.

So we cooked again. That’s when 5 sets of 8 minutes in the oven began. Stir, smell, put in oven, wait 8 minutes, pull out, stir, and repeat.

So while it may have turned out pretty [ooohh......aaaahh.....]

it stole my entire evening. Sheesh.

But just like a cute boy, I’m quick to forgive when it looks this good.

[aaaannnddd.....you're welcome.]

Posted in That's delish. | 5 Responses »

Apparently I wanted to talk about television.

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

I am sorry that you didn’t see the movie Spring Breakdown on Lifetime Network.

I know. Lifetime movies are known for the high drama and low quality [truth hurts, LN], but let me tell you.

Will Arnett. Amy Poehler. Parker Posey. Seth Meyers. And laughs. Lots of laughs.

I laughed out loud four times in the first 9 minutes. [As the movie has continued, I will say that there are some parts that are a tad inappropriate. Just so you know.]

I mean, as long as I’m making Lifetime confessions, let’s go ahead and talk about my extreme excitement regarding Drop Dead Diva returning in a week and a half, give or take. I have long looked for a replacement show for Ally McBeal and being that it went off the air in 2002, it has been a lengthy search.

I’m not sure Drop Dead Diva is quite there, but it is close, my people. Close.

I have a short list of other shows that I love all the time and according to what my fingers are typing, I want to tell you about them now.

Parenthood. It’s not totes family friendly. But I really like the storylines. I applaud the writers.
Modern Family. Laughter aboundeth.
Real Housewives. I don’t care where they live, I’m gonna watch it. Particularly enjoying the PILES-O-CRAZY in New York right now and I am afraid of those New Jersey women. Like seriously.
Top Chef Masters. I am in awe of their skillz.
Glee. Me and all the other teensters.
Deadliest Catch. I know Capt. Phil dies at the end of this season and the editors have done a good job of making me tear up every week.

Last but not least. Grey’s Anatomy. That finale?!? I just watched it and Y’ALL. Has anyone else seen it?!? I was losing my mind. Tense as a stretched rubberband. Crying. All of it.

So obviously, I have used my time wisely since returning from New York.

Ahem.

[Make me feel better here. Tell me your favorite shows. Or. Tell me your thoughts on Grey's. Tell me I'm not the only one who has drained her DVR lately.]

Posted in Ze Bloggy Goodness | 23 Responses »

A NYC recap laden with fondness.

Monday, May 24th, 2010

You will love this: on our last day in New York, my friend Jeff from the NanoMBA hugged me and said, “AnnieBlogs, I like Reba too.”

If there is ever a sentence that one could say to gain my undying loyalty, that. was. it.

I mean. Seriously. Right to my heart, brother. Right to my heart.

And I realized, in that moment, that these NanoMBA friends are stuck with me forever. [Whether they like it or not.]

This blog post has to dance a fine skinny line of telling you about my experience in New York while honoring the fact that our NanoMBA group didn’t exactly sign up to be blog fodder.

So I’m going to do what any self-respecting blogista would do. I’m gonna make a list.

1. Seth Godin is an awesome teacher.

2. I spent the entire week with 11 of the smartest, most talented, and kindest friends I could ever have the pleasure of knowing. With their permission, I hope to introduce you to each of them at some point in the future. Because gracious. They are wonderful.

3. I have some deep love for public transportation. And I have to confess that I sorta liked having my headphones in and keeping a stern face. I felt like a total New Yorker. [Until, of course, I would lose track of where I was and have to say to my neighbor, "Uh, which stay-shun is thee-us?" and my Southern-ness would be loud and clear.]

4. I genuinely hope I never forget my mornings in Grand Central Station. An iced chai tea latte, an egg and spinach english muffin sandwich, my Bible, my journal, and a Hillsong Pandora station on my iPhone. Someday I’ll tell you how this time on Wednesday morning may have literally changed my life.

5. I loved my time in New York City so much that I began to fear that I may decide to move there next. Don’t tell Nashville. I’ve always considered myself a one-city kind of girl, so it freaked my freak a little bit.

Last but not least [for sure], I want to introduce you to DonorsChoose.org. It is an amazing non-profit that helps teachers in low income areas provide all that they need for their classrooms.

I hope you are signed up for Groupon in your city. Because today, you can buy a $20 donation for only $10. Once you buy it on Groupon, you can go over to DonorsChoose.org and spend it.

I will be donating to this classroom in Nashville. I would LOVE it if AnnieBlogs readers could purchase a bookshelf for this teacher. Would you consider donating your Groupon (or making a donation) to this classroom? If we each gave $10, we could TOTALLY take care of this for her and those cute kiddies.

That would be rad.

Happy Monday, y’all.

Posted in Ze Bloggy Goodness | 10 Responses »

An update.

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

I had to take my shoes off and run barefoot in the rain to be sure not to miss the train. [Classy.]

I’m surrounded by awesome people.

I still haven’t eaten a Magnolia Bakery cupcake, but that is in my future. Don’t you worry about that.

I’m talking about music on Twitter because that’s the only part of this experience that I’m allowed to share publicly. [Sorry bout it.]

I’m more proud to be here than you can imagine.

Also, I’m sorry I ran barefoot. I know that doesn’t represent me as a Southern lady. But missing the train wasn’t an option. So. It was a calculated risk. Forgive me, Mama.

Amen.

Posted in Dreams Coming True | 6 Responses »

A simple Sunday in New York.

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Seriously.

The only way I can think to even attempt to blog this week while I’m in NYC is either in picture or in list.

But listen. Be thou full of patience. Please. Because my number one goal here is to gain buckets full of knowledge and skill. Not to tell you hilarious stories. [Though you know I want to. Come on. You know me.]

[And I owe you a story about SELF DEFENSE CLASS. Yep. I took it. Saturday. Great stories. Great great stories. Don't let me forget... next week.]

By the way, HERE’S A QUICK REMINDER of why I’m in New York.

Yeah. Totally cool. I know. I’m so so so excited. Like WHOA excited.

So on Sunday—-

- I practiced being a lone sojourner on the NYC Subway system (wimpy rider, party of 1.)

- I was stern with a cabbie and he kicked me out (sorta).

- I saw my friend Ernie Halter which was awesome.

- My Clean&Clear Facewash exploded in my suitcase. [C&C, why I oughta.... grrrr....]

- My iPhone battery is not the champ that one would hope. So listening to music on the Subway + checking my email + twitter + facebook + texting + calling my mama = too much for Anita the iPhone to handle. Lesson? Carry my charge cord with me EVERYWHERE.

- I ventured to Times Square SOLO. Cause I’m brave like that, yo.

[This is taken with an app called QuadCam. You want it. Trust me. It's so stinkin' cool.]

I woke up crazy early this morning, already laid out my clothes and had my bag all packed. So pretty much, it’s my first day of marketing school.

Someone should have sent me a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.

[1 point for New York reference, 1 point for You've Got Mail reference, 1 point for school reference - ZING!]

Posted in Dreams Coming True, Ze Bloggy Goodness | 10 Responses »

I’m on a plane.

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

To NYC.

I can’t believe it.

I’ll blog more later.

Happy Sunday.

Posted in Ze Bloggy Goodness | Comments Off

What a fancy Friday.

Friday, May 14th, 2010

I have two friends who call me “Fancy” and I don’t know if it is more an homage to my love for Reba or because I am, in fact, very fancy. But either way, it is deeply endearing.

[I tell you the weirdest things. I can't help it. Sorry.]

There are three seriously awesome things about today. And I’m gonna tell you about all of them right now.

1. SALLY THE GRADUATE

My baby sister graduates from Auburn University today. I literally cannot believe it. When I left for college, she was in 4th grade. It seems that I blinked and she’s now graduating herself. I could not be more proud and impressed with her ability to be a student and an adult. She’s awesome.

The best part? She’s leaving Auburn. And going to grad school at UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. You know that old story of the prodigal son in the Bible? Yeah, we’re living it.

[Kidding, Sally. Don't call me all mad and stuff. Ok? Ok.]

[Oh, and this isn't your graduation gift. I actually have something for you. I promise.]

2. THE GET FIT CHALLENGE

Ends today. Phew. Not that I’m tired of being healthy- I actually seriously like that part. But I will not miss weighing on television. I won’t miss weighing at all. But specifically weighing on TV.

I just wrote my final post at the Annie Gets Fit blog. Enjoy.

After our final weigh in this afternoon, I will be getting a manicure and a pedicure. Sure, that’s too much information, but we’ve already gone over that I tell you weird things. But I figure mani/pedi is a better use of my time and money than a trip to Golden Corral. [Am I right or am I right?]

3. SETH GODIN

I find out today whether or not I will be spending next week in New York City. [Here's a quick reminder of why I would be in NYC with Seth Godin.] I have no inclination one way or the other. If I make it, I will be THU-RILLED and will begin to giggle immediately. If I don’t make it, I’ll be okay because my bestie Betsy will be in town next week and so I will get to see her.

So that makes for a seriously rad Friday. Hope your Friday is equally cool.

I’ll let y’all know when I know about Seth Godin. And I’ll let you know if I won the Get Fit Challenge on May 25th. [Sorry, gotta follow the rules.] And I’ll let you know if Sally leaves me an anger-filled voicemail on her graduation day.

PS- I made a video for SheSeeks yesterday about the Nashville floods and Compassion Intl and my shirt is all catawampus. So that’s cool [sarcasm].

Posted in AnnieWrites, Get Fit | 7 Responses »

Annie has a job: An interview

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Q: So, Annie, I heard you have a job.

A: Well yes I do. I mean, I’ve actually had approximately 13 jobs since I moved to Nashville 2 years ago, but this is the first long term job- the kind I want to keep for years. Maybe.

Q: I thought you were a writer. I guess you quit trying to be a writer?

A: First of all, I think your tone is harsh. Secondly, I’m not a quitter. My new job is more than part time but less than full time, so in that happy middle place, I will still write. A lot.

Q: So what is this new job?

A: I am the Social Media/Communications girl at Mocha Club.

Q: Didn’t you already work at Mocha Club before?

A: I did. I actually started as a volunteer, then took a very part time admin job, and now have a real job there.

Q: What is the Mocha Club?

A: I totally know this answer. Mocha Club is a an online community of people giving up the cost of 2 mochas a month – or $7 – to fund relief and development projects in Africa. We work in five main project areas: Clean Water, Education, Child Mothers + Women At Risk, Orphan Care + Vulnerable Children, and HIV/AIDS + Healthcare. You can read more here at the Mocha Club site.

Q: So what does a “Social Media/Communications Girl” do?

A: Well the “girl” part is pretty self-explanatory. And the rest is still being worked out, but the goal is use what I am know [and what I'm learning] about Social Media to benefit Mocha Club, thus benefiting Africa.

Q: But, like, what do you DO?

A: Yeah, I dunno yet. But it will involve blogs, online magazines, twitter, myspace, facebook, being awesome, that kind of stuff.

Q: Why take a real job? Are you not getting enough writing gigs?

A: Part 1- rude. Part 2- it’s not the amount of writing gigs or the money. It is that I really love Mocha Club. I love the leadership there. I love the mission of the organization. I love that my strengths are needed there. I love that many of my friends are musicians who support Mocha Club. And I love the swag. [Just being honest.]

Q: So what does that mean for us, your bloggites?

A: Excellent question. I think it means that anytime I want to try out crazy online stuff for Mocha Club, you get to be the test bunnies. And it also means that you have first dibs when we do bloggy-stuff, twitter stuff, or facebook stuff.

Q: Are you excited?

A: There. Are. No. Words. This is a dream job for an internet nerd like myself. And I uber-respect my boss. And I love my co-workers. And I get energized in meetings. And I laugh all day. And I can’t believe I got this job. And I’m as happy as a pig in slop.

Q: That is such a redneck thing to say.

A: I think we’re done here.

Posted in Mocha Club | 29 Responses »

I’m gonna need your eyes and your ears.

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

First of all, thank you for your sweet comments and personal emails you sent yesterday, and for the last week, regarding the floods here. In fact, I got multiple emails from people headed our way to help volunteer. Amazing.

Here’s a few things for you on your Tuesday.

Tuesday is always the day that new music releases and I am THU-RILLED to tell you about a musician you may not know. Jake Ousley. He’s a sweet friend of mine and I absolutely love what he writes and how he sings. He’s also REALLY funny. Which you know goes a long way with me.

His first EP releases today. And if you have $5.94 that you are willing to drop on a new musician, this is where you should do it.

Here is the link to iTunes. Enjoy, my friends. Kentucky Moon is a personal fav of mine. Also, someone you know VERY well wrote his bio, so you can read that here.

Also, my friend Ishita has launched a new online magazine called fear.less. Now. Let me tell you. Don’t start reading unless you are willing to be brave- personally, professionally, all of it. Because these stories make you want to be the best you. Really, it is amazing and inspiring and I think you’ll love it. [That's why I'm telling you about it. I don't tell you about things I think you will hate.]

Also, I have a new Get Fit Segment that aired last week and I am SO SO proud of it. Unfortunately, they won’t let me embed it [whah whah], so I’m just going to have to beg you to CLICK THE LINK and watch it. Please?

[And I'm only telling you this because we are such good friends, but I was SO SICK on the day we filmed this. Like, flu-ish. That's why my voice sounds like that of an SEC linebacker.]

I also forgot to tell you [whoops] that my monthly article published at (in)courage last week. It is about the Get Fit Challenge, so if you have heard enough of my jabber, forget it. But if you’d like to hear another part of the story, head on over.

Also remember that I’m at Flying Solo all month, blogging about being single and finding community.

Also thanks for loving me even when I send you on a wild click chase around the internet.

Tomorrow I will limit your clicking and I’ll just tell you about my new job.

Cause I actually have a real job. In Nashville.

Weird, but true.

Posted in (in)courage, AnnieWrites, Get Fit, Sounds good to me. | 8 Responses »