During Ali’s season, I looked like Roberto’s mom.

During Brad’s season, @BradWomack followed me on twitter.

And during Ashley’s season, we felt sorry for Ben and celebrated JP.

. . . . .

If you don’t watch The Bachelor, I respect that. Just feel free to ignore this post. But I also think you should read this article about why smart girls do watch it. Because smart girls do watch it. Lots of them. As in, all of them.

[And let me go ahead and insert this --> my friends and I watch The Bachelor for ENTERTAINMENT. Not for WISDOM or ADVICE or BEHAVIOR SUGGESTIONS. Amen.]

. . . . .

I had a great post planned… I’ve been thinking about it all week. The girls I wanted to discuss… mainly cute Kacie from Tennessee, to whom I want to say, “seriously, sister, move to Nashville. We will find you a beau.” She’s great and I want her to date my friends [any of them] so that she and I can be friends. Is that too much to ask? And of course, we would need to talk about the insane blogger Jenna who left early in the season but not before leaving her looney mark on the whole thing.

But then I watched this week’s episode. Now listen, I was not Ben’s biggest fan when this whole thing started. I like the guy, sure. He handled Ashley’s rejected proposal with class and maturity.

But man oh man. This week. He really messed up.

It’s not that in seasons before everyone has been classy and wholesome. It’s just that he and Courtney sneaking off and skinny-dipping in the ocean kinda changed The Bachelor game forever. You don’t do that. You play by the rules of the show. And they aren’t.

Maybe the producers cooked it all up; at the least they allowed it. Regardless, ick.

Can you IMAGINE if he is engaged to another girl from this season and she SAW that? If they weren’t broken up before, I bet they were by 11pm EST Monday night.

[Of course, I say all this fully aware that I do not know these people. I have a small number of high profile friends and when people on the internet express incorrect opinions about their lives, I tend to cringe at their assumptions. So if you are real life friends with Ben, forgive me if I'm wrong here. But he did choose to live his love life on television.... so....]

And if he is engaged to Courtney, can you imagine what he is thinking after seeing all the interviews, etc?

So. I’m talking about Ben the Bachelor today because I said I would, but I think I’m done with him and this will be the last time. He is proving things to me about how some guys think that make me feel very insecure. Courtney is showing a woman’s ability to manipulate to get what she wants, and I think that is terrible too. They seem to be displaying the worst parts of our human natures and to watch that reminds me of the worst parts of me. Again, ick.

I’m sure they are nice people and maybe I’ll be friends with them someday. Maybe they are different in private than they are on the show [I'm 100% sure that is the case] and maybe they’ve been edited terribly.

No matter what, the truth is I just don’t want to watch their lives anymore. This show is supposed to be fun entertainment and after this week’s episode, it’s just not so fun now.

This season lacks integrity. Mock me for saying it because hello it is The Bachelor. But it seems in seasons past, there have been moments of redemption, where you legitimately believe people might find love and are there in order to do so.

The only redeeming thing from this season? Sweet Kacie. Come on, girl. Let’s be friends.

And listen. Next season when Emily is The Bachelorette? Oh, I’ll be back on board like nobody’s biz-nass. Because that girl is the sweetest thing going.

. . . . .

What are your thoughts? Am I totally off base here? Are you loving this season? Who do you think Ben ends up with? [And please no spoilers!]

. . . . .

[And happy birthday to my baby sister Sally! You're the coolest. Sorry you're sharing a post with Ben and Courtney. Thanks for being nothing like the characters they are playing on TV. Love you.]

. . . . .

So on Monday, as I was hustlin’ through my inbox, an email came through from Caroline asking all manner of questions about the book club I attend. And because our first book club of 2012 was on Saturday morning and because it is one of my very favorite activities, I will answer Caroline’s questions.

[And because I like Caroline. Obvi.]

. . . . .

First of all, here are a few posts I’ve written in the past about book club(s):

• And what if two years later I don’t like the penguin? (My Marietta book club)
• Smile, Wednesday #2  (My first Nash book club meeting!)
• Smile, Wednesday #7 (When the Nash girls read In the Woods)
• I just love it. (When I hosted book club the first time)
• Book Club: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand (When I hosted book club last spring)

. . . . .

Caroline sent me a collection of questions about book club. Let the interview begin!

How do you start a book club?

Well, Caroline, you just find some friends who like to read. You pick a book. Then you say, “one month from today, let’s talk about this book.” Then you put it on your calendar and then you meet and talk about the book. You can find discussion questions online or just make them up yourself.

Another option – ask around! Maybe your friends are already book clubbing and you just don’t know! That’s how I got in this one in Nashville. A friend said, “I go to book club” and before the whole sentence was out of her mouth, I said, “CAN I PLEASE COME?!?” And thirty books later, I’m still there.

How many people should I invite?

If you get above fifteen, it is hard to have a discussion. But not everyone will read every book. Our list has about twenty girls on it, but we usually average between five and twelve girls at each gathering.

But listen. If there is only two of you, go for it! It’ll grow in time. No pressure.

How often do you meet?

We shoot for one book per month and one meeting per month. But it can be loosey goosey, especially in the summer when folks aren’t always in town.

What have you read?

Well, this isn’t an exhaustive list, because I’ve been in book clubs pretty consistently since 2005. But here are a few of my favorites over the years.

• Eat, Pray, Love
• Hadassah
• Memoirs of a Geisha
• Don’t Shoot It’s Only Me
• In the Woods
• The Hunger Games
• I Am the Messenger
• Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
• The Help
• When Knighthood Was In Flower
• The Queen of the Big Time
• March
• A Woman of Independent Means
• The Ghost Map
• The Alchemist
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
• Scratch Beginnings
• Peace Like a River
• Bossypants
• One Day

Phew. And we just simply pick books by telling each other what we like, hence the huge variety. You can either pick the book for the next month at the current month’s meeting or you can schedule out a few months in advance.

We have found that scheduling a few months at a time is good- then people can reserve at the library, decide which ones they want to read, that kind of thing.

So that’s how you do book club. It’s no biggie, it’s low stress, and you get to read amazing books that you would have never picked on your own!! Hope that answers all your questions, Caroline.

. . . . .

Are any of you in a book club? Got more advice for Caroline? What’s the best book your book club has read lately?

If anyone else has questions for a future “Ask AnnieBlogs” post, bring it! Leave a comment here or email me at annieblogs [at] gmail [dot] com.

The policy makers at Vandy have written a new nondiscrimination policy.

[That's good. Discriminating is mean.]

Except.

This particular policy says that no organizations on campus can discriminate because of the core beliefs of that organization.

For example, if an atheist wants to be a leader at a Christian organization, that organization must let the person run for leadership. Or if a leader gets elected in the spring, changes beliefs in the summer, the organization cannot remove that person from leadership in the fall.

So. That’s bad. Organizations of all kind should be allowed to decide what type of leader they have AND they should be allowed to ensure that leader adhere’s to the core beliefs of the organization.

Here is an article about an important meeting today and here is an opinion piece by a Christian leader at Vandy.

Here’s another great article explaining it way better than I did. [Seriously.]

Why do I care?

Great question.

I care because I believe God wants to move in the lives of the college students here in Nashville. I believe that the winds are changing in this town and the college students are feeling the breeze. I watch on Sunday nights at our college ministry service and I see what God is doing. And I know part of the reason I am in Nashville is to usher the presence of God into the lives of college students.

And I feel like this is a battle.

I can’t explain the feeling I have in my knower about this, but I feel like it has big implications for the future of the spiritual climate for college students at Vandy and beyond.

So I’m asking you to take three minutes today and pray for today’s meeting. Pray for religious freedom at Vanderbilt. Pray for revival to pour through these college students. Pray that this will turn the hearts of the students TOWARDS Christ.

Pray that in the meeting tonight, God would be glorified.

And would you believe, no kidding, that this is the SIXTH house I have occupied in this town?

So, mathematically speaking, that’s like moving every 7 months or so. Barf.

[I know your next question and no, I am not in the witness protection program. And even if I was, could I tell you?]

[Do you think they let people in the WPP have blogs? Maybe.]

Here’s what else is super weird about how much I have moved. Prior to going to college, do you know how many houses I lived in? ONE. My parents still live in the house they built the months before I was born.

Since going to college? ELEVEN.

I feel like there should be some good 70s lyric to insert here about me being a nomad, a wanderer, a free-spirited woman without a consistent place to lay her head…. something something flowers in my hair something something flowy skirt.

This new house in Nashville is so darlin’ and great and will be a real joy when it is not full. of. the. cardboard. boxes.

I may be a hippy wanderer, but I gotz lotz of junk.

There are a few different ways to tackle unpacking, and I’ve tried them all.

1. One box a day keeps the stress away … You can just be disciplined and unpack one single box each day. Sure, it’ll take you up to two months to unpack, but you won’t feel exhausted.

2. Today’s the day … Just do it. Every box. Everything in its place. Miserably tiring but effective.

3. I’ll figure that out later … unpack what you can, avoid the things you don’t know what to do with. [This is my preferred method of dealing with emotional pain as well, just FYI.]

4. Boxes are like storage pieces … don’t unpack. Just use the boxes. Not recommended.

5. I’ll buy the pizza … invite your friends over, let them help you unpack, and you feed them as payment.

This time, I’m doing a combo of #3 and #5, with a splash of #4 … just until I get a desk up here from Atlanta.

And being that it has been seven months since I had all my material possessions in one building, I’m excited to announce that I have only lost two things in these 217(ish) days:

1. my checkbook
2. the knobs that go on top of my four-poster bed

I do not know where they are.

But there are a few boxes left to unpack, so I’m not without hope that they will be found.

As soon as the house is done, I will give you a proper tour. I’ve done it before, for Annie Parsons. And I shall do it again.

. . . . .

Question time!

What’s your method of unpacking?

And where do you think my checkbook is?

[Sure. We could have a twelve hour debate about church picking and the theology behind that and what-have-you, but please can we not? Thanks.]

While I was still in Scotland, I emailed Wes, the college campus pastor at Cross Point, and I said, “Wes. Please. Let me volunteer for you. Puh-LEEEEZZZEE!!”

We had never met. So he said, “Rein it in, sister. Let’s have coffee first.”

So we did and I passed the test. And now I get to hang out every week at the college service and meet cool students [big waves to Hannah and the other girls!] and disciple girls and lead a small group and plan parties and all of it.

I also got to write nametags for people as they walked in last week. Meaning, I got to speak to almost EVERY.SINGLE.STUDENT. As you can imagine, I was practically drunk on excitement after that. It doesn’t take much to make me happy, people.

I learned something important about Annie while I was in Scotland. [Mixing first person and third person? You're welcome. I'm a professional.] I feel the most alive when I’m doing ministry. I just do. I wish I could just write and speak and talk with college girls about God and life and the et ceteras that come along with this phase of life.

That is my sweet spot. 

But. I still have to help set up chairs and clean up the green room and sweep. [I'm guessing... haven't done that yet, but I bet I will.] And I really try to do it with a happy heart because I don’t want to be a nightmare volunteer.

But that is not my sweet spot. Not even a little bit. I call that my “sweep spot” – doing the thing you don’t want to do but needs to get done. And even though I find so much joy in college ministry, I don’t love the parts of ministry that aren’t fun.

[Hi. I'm Annie. I'm super mature.]

When it comes to church service, what is the right thing to do?

Do you pursue and seek out your sweet spot? Or do you just look at what needs to be done and step into that sweep spot?

We all have limited hours to serve… so how do you pick?

I’ve been thinking about this so much lately. I watch some of my friends serve constantly throughout their church, doing the yucky stuff. And while it is impressive, I also wonder if they are tapping into that firey spot in your knower that says, “I WAS MADE TO BE RIGHT HERE.”

But I know that some people really do feel like their sweet spot is the sweep spot. Which I find amazing.

And there are others [not me of course... ahem.] who tend to lean towards the idea that if that fire isn’t raging and I’m not passionate about it, I don’t want to do it.

And by the way, isn’t our human nature SO annoying that we get tired of serving at all? I think that is super annoying. I wish my flesh didn’t scream for relief every time I’m doing something I don’t love. Sheesh, for that matter, even when it is stuff I love there are times when my flesh screams “GO LAY ON THE COUCH AND WATCH THE BACHELOR!”

[We have GOT to talk about Ben. Soon and very soon.]

So I’m putting the question out there to you.

When you are serving at church, do you look for your sweet spot or do you look for a sweep spot?

Is your sweet spot the sweep spot?

Do you pursue serving in your strengths or do you find that serving anywhere better reveals your strengths?

Have you found your sweet spot? What is it?

Tell me how you serve.

I only know because one of my besties in Nashville birthed a baby the same day I got on a plane. So yesterday, when she tells me, “Yep, he’s eight weeks old exactly,” my brain immediately thinks, “Man, I’ve been home for eight weeks and a day.”

Which means, God bless ‘em, I’ve been living with a married couple for eight weeks while I’ve been trying to find my next home. Sure, I didn’t think it would last eight weeks, but alas. It has.

We’re gonna call them The Givers. That is not their real name.

No reason to expose their real identity because….

• they never signed up to be blog fodder
• they live a bit more quietly than I do
• when you hear how great my life has been, you’re gonna want to move in with them too and they aren’t into running a bed and breakfast.

It has been a blast. I can’t even tell y’all. They are some of the most generous and wonderful people I’ve ever known. And something I’m growing to learn about myself is that I totally love co-habitating.

[Probably the more appropriate term is "community living" but co-habitation is just way funnier. But you know what I mean.]

Here’s why co-habitation with The Givers has been awesome.

1. They buy the kind of popcorn that just say “BUTTER” and it is delicious.

2. When I sign up to make approximately 150 cake balls for a wedding, there are people to work in that factory.

3. We all love the same TV shows. So when the three of us settle into the house at night, there is no awkward “who gets to watch what they like” moments. We just start the DVR and all are pleased.

[Caveat: They don't DVR The Waltons. But I don't mind.]

4. Living with a boy who is married to one of my dearest friends is awesome. I can ask him guy questions. “When that boy texted that, what did he mean?” and the like. So pretty much, the conversations my other guy friends avoid, Mr. Giver can’t avoid. Because he lives with me. Boom.

5. There are a few pair of eyes that can work on the puzzle.

6. Mrs. Giver is a counselor. AnnieBlogs is an over-emoter. These things work well together. [More for me than for her.]

7. I’ve learned so much from living with them. For example, Mr. Giver is a big believer in pro-active conversations so that we don’t have reactive conversations.

Example.

Mr. Giver: “Annie, we love you being here. Have you found a place to live? We’re not tired of you yet.”

Annie: “Mr. Giver, thank you for your kindness. I’m still actively looking. Hopefully soon. But I love living here.”

And scene.

No emotions. No freak outs. No kick outs. Just a proactive convo. Love it.

8. There is almost always someone to talk to…. proving once again, I have issues.

. . . . .

These last eight weeks have taught me a lot about how I want to live. I want to be generous and giving even beyond what is normal. [Yikes... I should have been out of there WEEKS ago. Bless them.]

I move out Friday into my own place. And the miracle of it all? We are all sad.

My tip to you, person who thinks it would be cool to stay with some friends for a while? Leave before you want to and leave before they want you to leave.

Also. Restock their popcorn.

Not share in the “burn-me-a-CD” kind of way. People in this town do not look to kindly on that. I don’t want to get shunned in the streets.

Instead, I will list for you some new stuff I’m listening to and show you how to purchase that for yourself. Were you to choose to listen to it on Spotify or Rdio before you buy it, well… I have nothing to do with that. I’m not the boss of you.

This music isn’t all necessarily new in 2012, it’s just new to me in 2012. So there’s that.

[And let me say that I'm not sure 100% of these songs have 0% cuss words... I honestly can't remember. So listen with some discernment, mainly because I don't have time to word check every single song on these albums. Thank you and carry on.]

. . . . .

The Head And The Heart … I get to hear this band in March with my Besty Betsy and I am  happy about that. If they were a math equation, they would be

Mumford & Sons + a girl – a banjo + piano – keyboard

Because I’m a musical mathematician, that’s why.

. . . . .

Easy by Rascal Flatts … Sometimes a song says a thing perfectly, and I haven’t even broken up with anyone lately. I just like dramatically singing in my car. [You're welcome.] Also, I LOVE Natasha Bedingfield’s part.

. . . . .

Give Us Rest by David Crowder Band … I absolutely love this band. So so much. This is their final album and they do not disappoint. Thirty four tracks? Cut it out.

. . . . .

Deluxe Companion by Mumford & Sons … Don’t roll your eyes at me. I know I already own the recorded album and I just purchased the live album. I am a sucker for all things Mumford. You know this. And the live album? Well. It’s different. Sorta. Ahem.

. . . . .

Amen by Eden’s Edge … Two weekends ago I was strutting through the airport and I could not get this song out of my head. Thanks to the magical technology of Anita iPhone and an iTunes gift card, I bought this song right there in the terminal. Oh 2012, you’re so cool.

Also, this is a great song. [I like country music. Sue me.]

. . . . .

Kopecky Family Band … I’m spending a little time spinning this beauty today since I’m going to their show tonight. Me thinks it will be a nice time. I haven’t been to a proper concert since returning from Scotland [except Christmas stuff], so it will be great to hear live music.

. . . . .

Reason To Sing by All Sons & Daughters … I dig this band. They work hard. They make great worship music. I think we’ll be singing their masterpieces for many years to come.

Fun fact. When I type “sons” into my iTunes, I get to listen to this album and then Mumford. Not mad about that.

. . . . .

All My Devotion by Kristene Mueller … welp. This worship song plays a few times a day in my life. It’ll ruin you [in a good way].

“Take it all, take it all. Just give me Jesus.”

Phew… I want to mean that every time I sing it. So I’ll sing it until I do.

. . . . .

What are you listening to right now? 

I grew up doing puzzles. Working puzzles? Constructing puzzles? Puzzling puzzles? I don’t really know.

My grandmother loved them. She always had one in the works at her house or when we went on vacation. It’s one of my strongest and fondest memories.

But somehow, I previously had yet to adopt this hobby into my own life.

[Because I'm not 75? Maybe.]

As an author, I spend a lot [read: too much] time in front of my computer. And when it is time to relax, I like to avoid words and my computer. So while I love reading [you know I LOVE READING], there are lots of times where I just want to step. away. from. the. alphabet.

Within the last four weeks, puzzles have made a massive comeback in my life. And I am realizing it is the PERFECT hobby for me.

Those of you who know me well will appreciate this next sentence –> Last week, I worked on the puzzle for two hours while I watched episodes of The Waltons.

[How in the WORLD am I supposed to get a date when I write stuff like that on the internet?]

And then just yesterday, I played the Wicked soundtrack all the way through while trying my darndest to finish the leafy sky.

Here’s why I love puzzles:

1. It involves zero words.

2. It is mindless but totally challenging. At least this one is. 1000 pieces of Post-Impressionism? Ouchies.

3. A normal person could walk away at any time and return later. [I have issues. I need to finish certain areas. Don't judge.]

4. Multiple people can contribute. There are currently about five of us working/contributing/puzzling this puzzle.

5. It does something good to your heart to escape from your today. I’ve watched a boy with a broken heart finish the red lady’s dress and a girl with heavy decisions on her mind put together an entire field.

6. You can do the puzzle over and over again. I don’t know if I will [this one is about to make me or break me], but I like that you can.

7. You have a lifelong hobby. [I *think* this is my way of convincing the world that IT IS COOL FOR A 30-SOMETHING TO ENJOY PUZZLES, OKAY?]

So, I guess this whole post is a confession that if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you are probably going to continue to see pictures of this puzzle as it progresses. And now that I have justified it, I will quit giving myself such a hard time for being a dork.

. . . . .

What’s your favorite hobby? Any other puzzle lovers out there?

And then it got 450ish comments.

Good. Gravy. Boat.

For the last few weeks since that post exploded, I have labored over what to do next. It has been a recurring theme in my prayers, my thoughts, and my conversations- “how do I love and lead and live well before these single women?” I feel a real responsibility to that community. Meanwhile, I worry that talking about being single will make cute boys who read my blog run the other way. But this feels like a door God has swung wide open, so I tell those irrational fears to Shut Up Please and then I keep writing.

For as long as this gal stays single, I’m going to talk honestly about it.

I think that’s the best thing I can do, right?

I can’t say it enough- I know like I know like I know that today is the day to share hope. While I want to have my own family someday, I can’t even begin to express how great life is- single or married- when God is allowed to author the story.

And while “Single in 2012″ wasn’t a chapter I was expecting Him to write, the details have been phenomenal and the story arch is the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen.

So three cheers to a New Year full of honest talks about the beauty and the beast that is singleness.

I’m the batter up over at (in)courage again today, where I’ve written five new choices I’m making in 2012. I’d love for you to pop over there and join in the linky conversation.

Based on the comments last time, I’m thinking this could be a big day for some of our singlet friends.

I know my day will be full of whispered prayers for these girls. Will you pray for them right now too? The single gals out there who need to make some new choices this year? And in 2013, we will look back and realize that God took our tiny prayers and changed some lives. Booyah.

. . . . .

Are you new around these parts? Well welcome!

Hi. I’m Annie. I write books for my job.

You can read more about me here.

You can follow me on twitter here.

You can like me on facebook here.

. . . . .

To my married friends, I’d love for you to share some wisdom in the comments today- what are some choices that singlets should be making?

. . . . .

I love when people email me questions about Nashville.

It is like when someone asks you to brag about your siblings or your kids or your own personal best friend’s accomplishments. Meaning, I love talking about Nashville.

When you lovelies come to town [and I love when you do], you always want to know where to eat, where to play, and where to hear the best music.

So today I’m going to tell you my favorite places to eat lunch.

See, we eat out a lot here. Like, A LOT. Because so many of us are singlets and we love to hang together, we have managed to find a few great lunch joints that don’t cost a pretty penny but are totes delish.

[Uh oh. Nash talk. Sorry.]

So in no order of preference, here are my top 5 favorite lunch spots in Nashville.

. . . . .

1. Baja Burrito

Similar to, but better than: Moe’s Southwest Grill

What I order: A chicken taco, chips, and a drink

Approximate cost: $5

Don’t miss: The roasted tomato salsa or the fruit tea.

Etc.: Do you know this thing I speak of? Fruit tea? It’s amazing and it is EVERYWHERE in this town. These restaurants will each woo you with their unique blends of tea, orange juice, other juices, and awesome. And Baja’s is one of the best.

. . . . .

2. McDougal’s

[The website is, well, lacking. But it gives you the address, which is necessary.]

Similar to, but better than: Zaxby’s

What I order: Grilled chicken salad, no red onions, ranch dressing on the side.

Approximate cost: $7

What not to miss: If you like spicy, they have great honey-spicy stuff. But as for me and my house, we will not eat spicy. Also, you get a tiny dollop of ice cream at the end. Don’t forget to get that thang.

. . . . .

3. Burger Up

Similar to, but WAY better than: Ted’s Montana Grill

What I order: The local salad with grilled chicken

Approximate cost: $11

What not to miss: Sweet potato fries. And fried pickles. And the woodstock burger. Dang, just eat there a few times and order something different every time. You won’t be mad about it.

. . . . .

4. Edley’s

Similar to, but better than: your average BBQ joint

What I order: They have a special every day, and I usually get coerced by my emotions to get that. But if not, the turkey BBQ sandwich is my choice.

Approximate cost: $8

What not to miss: The coleslaw. It’s vinegar based, which makes me terribly happy.

Etc: Edley’s is brand new, but has won our neighborhood over like whoa. I say that to say, I haven’t tasted everything there, but my friends certainly have [my people go there EVERY DAY], and it is all amazing.

. . . . .

5. The Grilled Cheeserie

Similar to, but better than: I mean, is there a comparison to a truck that drives around town and makes amazing grilled cheese sandwiches? Me thinks not.

What I order: The basic grilled cheese and tomato soup

Approximate cost: $8

What not to miss: The truck. It parks somewhere different every day, so you need to check their facebook page to see where they are parked. Tricky stuff, restaurants with wheels.

. . . . .

YOUR TURN!

If you live in Nashville, share your favorite lunch spot!

If you live outside of Nashville, why not tell us the best lunch place in your town?