It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

So, I did it. I braved Black Friday... I just waited until the evening to do it! Started with Target and Wal-Mart, then finished at Dick's Sporting Goods. I was determined to really make a dent in my list of Christmas gifts for the family. It was a very productive time. What did I get? Well, let me tell you...

1. Baby Mama on DVD for MYSELF (Target Bargin Bin)
2. Step Brothers on DVD for MYSELF (Target Bargain Bin)
3. A picture frame for MY new picture of Berkley
4. A Stocking for MY dog

Yep, at this rate, I'll be ready for Christmas in no time :)

Hey Now

There is a song by Augustana called "Hey Now." It's a catchy little song that I listen to quite often. This morning, I was listening to it as I headed to work at 4:30 am. Since there isn't much going on in my head that early in the morning, I was able to actually listen to the song and have the lyrics speak to me. If you aren't familiar, here are the lyrics:

sky black and blue,
blue turn to red,
it's quiet in the streets now,
but it's screaming in your head

i ain't a fool,
but i've got my doubts,
say it doesn't hurt,
it doesn't matter anyhow, anyhow...

hey we're just bleeding for nothing,
it's hard to breathe when
you're standing on your own,
we'll kill ourselves to find freedom,
you'll kill yourself
to find anything at all...

so lock all the doors,
and put your child to rest,
there's fire in the streets now,
but it's quiet in your head...

we're passing the time,
by breaking apart,
we're damned at the end,
and we're damned at the start,

blame it on the roses,
blame it on the red,
we're running out of time,
and i'm running out of breath,

hey now, we're bleeding for nothing,
it's hard to breathe when
you're standing on your own,
we'll kill ourselves to find freedom,
you'll kill yourself to find anything,

we say goodbye, everyday and nite,
we write it on the walls,
well everybody's gonna need somebody,
to take our troubles and our worries
and our problems all away,

hey now, hey now, hey now
right now.

Although the song may have been written to relate to a very different situation, it has still caused me to do a little self-reflection. Since graduating from college and moving back home, I have been incredibly restless and disheartened. I can relate to the "screaming in your head;" it's nearly impossible for me to clear my head anymore. I want to get out and stand on my own two feet...find a little purpose in my life! Sometimes it's all I can think about. "We'll kill ourselves to find freedom, you'll kill yourself to find anything at all..." sounds a bit extreme, but I can still relate on some scale. I feel like all of my problems will be solved, and I will find contentment if I could just achieve this "freedom." But is it really that easy? Why do I want to be on my own if "it's hard to breathe when you're standing on your own?" I'll just have other problems and worries waiting for me. Sounds like I just need to man-up and play with the cards I'm being dealt. Doesn't mean I can't be anticipating a good shuffle :)

What Does It Take to be Number 1...

Top 5 Bands...

Go!

#5- Before you judge, please know that I went through 3 copies of their first CD! "Swing, Swing" will always play over and over in my head. For this reason, and because of many other addicting songs, The All American Rejects take the #5 spot. If you need an upbeat, catchy tune to get you through the day, look no further!


#4- Yes, I know I wasn't around during their world domination, but I can still be a fan of the Beatles. There is no need to even argue why they should be on my Top 5 list... they're The Beatles! No time is ever a bad time for a little Paul :)

#3- With a little love and some tenderness, Hootie and the Blowfish earns the 3rd spot. Darius Rucker is taking over the Country scene, but he will forever live on as Hootie. Their music can most simply be summed up as "easy listening."

Cause I've got a hand for you
I've got a hand for you
Cause I wanna run with you
Ah, won't you let me run with you?

#2- Matchbox 20 never gets old. They can disappear for a few years, and return without missing a beat. Rob Thomas is a great solo artist, but he is truly at his best when his band is backing him.


DRUM ROLL PLEASE...


#1- Counting Crows

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself
to hold onto these moments as they pass

Never gets old...

See, It's Just Puppy Love...

You know those people that are obsessed with their pets, or more specifically, their dog? They talk about their dog all day. They hurry home to take their dog to the park or for a walk. They only hang out with other people when it is in an environment in which their furry friend can come. Chances are, that dog can catch a frisbee in its mouth and knows commands like "paw" and "sing." And the worst part is that walking, smelly, disease-carrying creature sleeps in their bed... not a crate, on the floor, or outside... in their bed on nice, clean sheets! Gross! Well, I am becoming that person!!!! I'm ashamed... but it's true! My precious pup has taken over my ife, my room, my car, and most anything else. She is pure sweetness, though! Thank you, Jonny Heinkel, for the most amazing present ever! She sheds a lot, pees a lot, and licks her butt, but she also loves on me, cuddles, and wags her tail when I walk in the door... what more can a girl ask for?!?! Oh, Sweet Sasha:

Guess Who's Back... Back Again...

So, I've been a major slacker all summer! There just wasn't enough time for blog updates like I promised! I am SO sorry! The good news is that I am back! Camp is over and I have lots of stories to tell and lots of meaningless things to vent about! Get ready! Oh, and just in case you were wondering, Jacob is recovering well from the ole Swine Flu... we thought he was a gone-er... we were counting down the hours... but he pulled through.

Stay strong, Jake! Stay Strong!

So I'll Run to You; I Will Run, I Will Run...

So, before I headed down to ole Bama, I decided to venture to one last O's game. I'm one of those optimistic fans that, irregardless of how horribly the previous season went, always says, "This could be our year!" It's been a rough start, but we can pull it together! And if Baltimore has one thing, it's loyal fans! I was absolutely blown away by the crowd! We really know how to rally behind our team! See for yourself:

So, clearly, I am lying! Camden Yards was empty! I was very disappointed! The game was very slow too... pretty much nothing going on at all! Then, it happened! The most glorious thing I had ever seen! Not once. Not twice. Not even three times... more! I even missed it a few times because it happened so quickly! I had to prepare myself to finally be able to capture the event that made the crowd (or lack thereof) go nuts! While our O's may be struggling, rest assured that the Grounds Crew at Camden Yards is an elite group of individuals... the quickest in the business! Now, for your viewing pleasure:

I Like The Way You Move...

Well, the beast has been conquered! West Palm and St. Louis, I officially forgive you for that chaos called a storage unit...
We rented a 24' Budget truck and managed to load it entirely in 1 1/2 hours... and by "we," I mean myself, Paul, Beth, and 2 wonderful high school friends, Clay and Michael. Pretty impressive, if you ask me! Then, at Samford, we unloaded about 4,382 puppets (of all nationalities), 87 parachutes, 92 First Aid bags, 366 rolls of butcher paper, 92 coolers, and many, many other things. Also done in about 1 1/2 hours!
Moving camp from storage is quite a task, but I figure if anyone can handle it, why not us?! I can already tell that I have a fantastic team! You guys rock! Now the sorting begins...

Oh, yes. Wait a Minute Mr. Postman...

So, I'm heading to camp in the next few days... Send me mail. I like cards... candy... rice krispie treats (hint hint)... Maryland mementos... anything really. I just want to feel loved. So, love me! Love me with mail! I promise to love you back... just think about THAT!!!

Jessie Dayton/M-Fuge Staff
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35229

Time, You Ain't No Friend of Mine...

So, I've been trying to not think about the fact that next Friday I have to report to Program Weekend in Ridgecrest, NC for camp. That is just TOO soon! Not enough time! I mean, I LOVE camp, but I have so much to do before then! I feel like Jesse Spano during her No-Doze meltdown! I have class until the morning I leave... I literally start driving right after I take my exam. Then, there's the job; I will me making Venti Caramel Frappuccinos w/ extra caramel until Wednesday... cause apparently that's all we sell! But, most importantly, my when I crack open my laptop to get to work, I see that my Excel grid for camp still has holes! "What does that mean," you ask? Well, that means a few hundred kids are paying a few hundred bucks to come to camp, and I have to have a ministry for them to plug into for that week... and right now, some of them are going to be twiddling their thumbs and kicking dirt. No pressure?!?! This is way more than I am capable of doing on my own. What have I gotten into? Then, I remember- Jehovah Jireh! The Lord will provide! Maybe I should stop trying to do everything on my own, and give it over to the Big Man! It's His plan... His idea... He is just nice enough to let me be the feet! I think the saying goes, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." Well, I am truly blessed to be an extremity, and instead of taking control, I need to move as the head tells me. But, it sure will feel good to see a completed Excel grid! Birmingham, prepare yourself- here we come!

And I Say Heeeey Heeeey Heeey Hey. I Say Hey, What's Going On?

True Story. So, I'm riding the Lightrail To Camden Yards on Tuesday evening. I mean, I know I shouldn't be surprised at anything I see on there... it is Baltimore after all... but this takes the cake. There was an older man sitting in front of me that appeared to be homeless, or at least spent quite a bit of time on the streets. I don't know his name, but let's call him Stanley. Stanley had a black backpack that he had patched up by threading it with a shoelace. He was talking to himself for awhile, which is nothing out of the ordinary on a Lightrail ride, but then he did something much more odd- He whipped out his toothbrush. I remember thinking, "Oh, good. At least he brushes!" Well, then Stanley whipped out his toothpaste. As he struggled to squeeze the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube and onto his brush, I thought "surely he's not about to brush his teeth right now." Well, I thought wrong! He went at those bad boys with much intensity and concentration. Obviously, I was caught off guard. All I could do was stare and try not to laugh. However, the man sitting across from us, we'll call him Malcolm, held nothing back! He let out this belly laugh and started shaking in his seat. When Malcolm finally got it together, he hollered to Stanley and said, "Do YOU swallow your toothpaste?" Stanley seemed very offended by this question... apparently he thought it was an accusation. The only reply that Stanley could muster up was "Do YOU?... Do YOU?" He then proceeded to finish brushing with added fury. When he was done brushing, Malcolm was able to get his answer as Stanley removed a Ziploc bag from his backpack. This wasn't just any Ziploc bag... it was Stanley's spit bag! That's right, Stanley, in fact, DOES NOT swallow his toothpaste... he spits it into his Ziploc bag, seals it up, and puts it back into his backpack. Ha, Malcolm! Stanley showed you! As an aspiring dental hygienist, I am proud that ole Stanley makes time to brush his teeth... even if on the Lightrail! Oh, Bawlmer... the classiest city you'll ever find! Believe, Hon, Believe!

Hello Samantha Dear, I Hope You're Feeling Fine. And It Won't Be Long Until I'm With You All The Time...

The wait is over. Bachelor(ette) #2:


Meet Sam. This Sassy Lassie is quite the catch, so you better act fast! All eyes are on her; she's the center of the ring- just like a circus. Why is that? Well, cause she's got that Boom Boom Pow! She has also been known to blow out her knee while giving hugs... so, it's clear that she has a LOT of love to give! Still not sure? Take another look:


Relax, boys! Just head on over to Starbucks, and she is sure to start up a friendly conversation with you... cause Sam is the definition of friendly! And, she loves Jesus! What's not to like?!?!

Stay tuned for the next available Barista...

Andy, You're a Star...

Single? Looking for that special someone? Well, lucky for you, I am here to help! Your soul mate could be closer than you ever imagined... maybe as close as your local Starbucks. Allow me to help by introducing you to some available Baristas. There are many great options. Let's start with Bachelor #1:

Meet Andy. Guys like Andy don't come around often. He's kind of a big deal. He has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. He loves poetry and salsa dancing. Recently, Andy was offered a soccer scholarship to an undisclosed, highly-regarded college. This will enable him to pursue his dream of becoming a male nurse; so, rest assured, you would be safe in his hands. As you can see above, Andy doesn't mind vacuuming. He also does dishes (see below)... just don't ask him to clean the bathroom.

This son of a preacher man is looking for that special lady. He has a reputation of being a heart-breaker, so you better come with your "A" game! If you like what you see, stop by Starbucks.

Keep checking back for the latest Starbucks bachelor/ettes...

Nastiest, Trashiest, Sleaziest, Classless...

So, I know you've been wondering what flaws I could be hiding. Nobody is perfect, so you know there has to be SOMETHING about me that you don't know about already. I don't want to taint your perfect opinion of me, but in an effort to show that NOBODY is perfect, I will fess up to one of my guilty pleasures... I love junky reality TV shows! Maybe I just don't have enough drama in my life, so I feel the need to supplement it with a bunch of VH1 ridiculousness. I don't really know WHY I enjoy it, but, nonetheless, I do. Go ahead, throw stones! Judge me! I'd be willing to bet there are a few shows you have seen, but won't admit to ever watching! In case you have missed out on a few of these gems, allow me to show you what you have been missing out on. Here are my top 5 reality TV shows... and there's no room for the Bachelor or Survivor here...

5. Flavor of Love- I think this show is finally over. And while it may have been the trashiest Reality Show of all time, it brought us many priceless memories. Flava Flav attempted to find his lady love for 3 glorious seasons. He didn't have much luck. I'm willing to bet that chasing after girls named "Deelishis" and "Buckwild" was his first mistake. Then, there was the infamous spitting incident... classic! Maybe my favorite memory is the girl that missed the bathroom and ended up leaving a present on the stairs; she was quickly eliminated... that was too much for even Flava Flav! So many great TV moments... but none hold a candle to the fact that this show introduced us to the lovely New York! VH1 realized they were sitting on a goldmine and gave her a show of her own! Thank you for that trash, VH1!

4. The Real World- "Seven strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real..." This season has been one of the most normal in a long time, which is slightly refreshing. Maybe it's the addition of an eighth housemate... even numbers always work better... There are so many great moments throughout the history of this show. There is "the slap"... you know what I'm talking about. Then there's Puck and anything that involved Puck. But, let's take a second and remember the good that came from this show: Ruthie overcame her alcohol addiction. Danny and Melinda found love. Pedro was able to tell his story and steal the hearts of so many. My love of Isaac Stout from Real World Sydney began.

3. Real World/Road Rules Challenges- Take all those crazies from the Real World... add a few old Road Rulers... and some people who happened to get picked up along the way... and wha-lah! This show cracks me up! As long as Evan, Theo, or Isaac is around, it's gonna be a good time! Lots of fighting, screaming, and backstabbing, but also a lot of pranks... just a bunch of twenty-somethings (and a few thirty/maybe forty- somethings) with a lot of time on their hands an MTV size budget to fill that time. It's like a laid-back survivor. I'm pretty sure I'll be watching this show when I'm 70 years old.

2. Tool Academy- This is my current craze. A bunch of girls are at their wits end with their Tool Boyfriends. The guys begin the show thinking that the show is called "Mr. Awesome" and they are there to prove that they are the Alpha male. Little do they know, their girlfriends have enrolled them in the "Tool Academy" to turn them into caring, considerate gentleman. These guys are idiots... and I wonder about these girls for sticking with them. One episode, another girl showed up saying that she had also been dating one of the guys for a few years... that's right, one girlfriend brought him on the show and found out she hadn't been his only girlfriend for a few years. The girl that brought him was obvioulsy upset, so she left. The second girlfriend replaced her on the show. I'm pretty sure the show is fake, but I don't want to confront that reality... I choose to believe it really happened like that.

1. Rob & Big- I can not explain how much I miss this show. It's just some good, ole fun. I have even been able to get my dad to watch this one a few times. It's not nearly as trashy as the other shows mentioned... but still highly entertaining. Basically, a little, white, pro-skater (Rob) and his large, black security guard/best friend (Black) act like kids and goof off all day. They play with guns that shoot webs; they buy mini ponies... real ones; they teach their dog how to skateboard; they try to break every record in the Guiness Book of World Records. It's hilarious! It's viewer friendly... most of the time. It's worth watching!

When All the Love in the World is Right Here Among Us, and Hatred too; And so We Must Choose What Our Hands Will Do...

Lately, my life has been CRAZY busy! Between working 30+ hours a week, going to school 3 days a week, coaching basketball, and putting sites together for MFuge Birmingham '09, I have found myself feeling slightly overwhelmed. I keep Facebook open as I plug away on the computer, just to maintain my sanity! Though it may sound like it, I'm not complaining... promise! I love being busy and I love most of those activities (besides school, and sometimes work... just sometimes). MFuge, however, is something I am extremely passionate about. For those of you who don't know what MFuge is all about, basically 500 teens come each week for seven weeks this summer for a camp experience. During the day, they go into the city (Birmingham in this instance) and get plugged in with various ministries. The hope is that they will find very practical ways that they can go home and find opportunities to serve... to meet the needs of someone besides theselves; it's about each student realizing what it means to follow the example of Christ. Some teens may hang out with the elderly in nursing homes. Some may do yard work and painting for those who aren't capable themselves. Some may work with kids. Some may volunteer at soup kitchens. The possibilities are endless really! The past three summers, I have worked in Nashville, TN and Greenville, SC. My groups have done some manual labor like painting:



























Some have spent their week loving on some little ones:



































Some got to use their love of sports:































But I must say that my favorite track ever was when I got to work with Metro Parks Disabilities:


















It was here where I found some of the most precious people I have ever met! They taught me so much in those eight weeks. Most important was that they taught me it is possible for a human being to love blindly. They truly love everyone; it doesn't matter what you look like, how you talk, how much or how little money you have, if you smell, if you're obnoxious... NOTHING MATTERS! To them, you are human, and therefore, you are a friend. Wow... an earthly example of the love of Christ! How beautiful is that?!

Now, I have the opportunity to help bring this experience to so many other campers, staffers, and residents of Birmingham this coming summer! So, while there is still much to do, I have an amazing opportunity in my hands! It is so cool to hear about all these needs (large or small) around Birmingham and get to say, "hey, we would love to help you out... when can we come?!" I really couldn't be any more excited! The journey begins... and I just got my bus pass!

Cause Every Time I Hear That Song...

Music... who doesn't love it? No matter what is going on in your life, there is a song you can relate to; a song that hits you at your core. You may hear one particular song a million and one times, and then that million and two time, it takes on a whole new significance. That's one of the many things I love about music. Probably my favorite thing about music is the fact that certain songs take you back to a specific place in time. When you hear that song, you are lifted to a different place. It's a great feeling, unless of course you associate that song with a bad experience. Anyway, I had the ole iPod on shuffle (like always), and I was listening to all of these old songs and being transported throughout the timeline of my life. I decided to share some of these little nuggets of joy with you... maybe you were there... or maybe they take you somewhere else...

*There's Your Trouble by the Dixie Chicks: Wal-Mart parking lot near Carson Newman, before a week of Centrifuge
*Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler: Nashville '06. Courtenay Nixon. nuff said.
*Glamorous by Fergie: Club Vela in Panama City Beach
*Suga Suga by Baby Bash: Riding around in JJ the Tempo wih Kerrie DeSanctis in high school
*I'm a Thug by Trick Daddy: Field Hockey in the stadium with Emily Deinlein while rocking our kilts
*Man in the Mirror: driving to Nashville after a D-Now with Jeremy Wicker
*Over My Head (Cable Car): Belmont University. Opening night.
*What'd I Say by Ray Charles: Karaoke with a sketchy old man
*Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus: hanging out at the Martin house back in the summer of like '00
*Low by Flo Rida: Cruise '08... dancing on the deck with the Red Hat Ladies
*Hey Ya by Outkast and Toxic by Britney Spears: dance parties in Holly and Sarah Kate's dormroom freshman year
*New Soul by Yael Naim: riding in the hot box from SC to MD with Carolyn
*Hero by Enrique Iglesias: Andy Reuter dressed as Santa Clause sitting on AJ's lap, serenading her
*Psalm 145 by Shane & Shane: staff worship in the basement of the Clubhouse of Bruin Hills... MFuge '06
*Burn by Usher: Amy Martin... all you need
*Must Be Doing Something Right by Billy Currington: Amy Martin...
*If I Could Do it Again by Corey Smith: Senior Year Spring Break... Destin, FL
*The Boy is Mine by Brandy and Monica: Mary-Blake and I taking on the role of Brandy and Monica and having a duel with song... as Katy watched
*Miami by Will Smith: singing along with DJ, because he's the only other person I know of that knows all the lyrics!
*Ms. New Booty by Bubba Sparxxx: Candice Murphy (Gilliand) dancing by my car in the parking lot of the hotel in Kinsport, TN
*Get Low by Ying Yang Twins: Rootbeer Keg parties at the Shire... that's how we roll at Samford U!
*Single Ladies by Beyonce: dancing with Leslie Metcalf... Beyonce's got nothin' on us!
*Jump, Jump by Kriss Kross: jumping on my brother's waterbed (with the He-Man sheets), beacuse we were rockin' out to his Kriss Kross cassette tape.
*Stay by Lisa Loeb: driving to Burger King late at night in Greenville with Carolyn
*Any song by Andy Davis: Jacob Werkin serenading me with his guitar! lol
*Say by John Mayer: good times with Bernard Dafney and Stephen Edwards... they are the real-life Bucketlist

Obviously, I could go on for days and days. If there are any key songs/memories I have left out, please feel free to add. Then, go out and enjoy some music... cause I said so!

Daddy's Little Girl, Momma's Little Angel...

Okay, so I'm gonna flip the script and get all sentimental today. Last night, I had my last basketball practice of the season with my fifth and sixth grade girls. They're absolutely precious... great kids! Anyway, the second half of practice, they were allowed to scrimmage their parents. I honestly didn't expect there to be much parent participation, given that most dads were still wearing their work attire and others were situated in their seat with their favorite technological device at hand. However, much to my surprise, every dad jumped at the opportunity! The next 20 minutes were fantastic... I don't think I have ever smiled so big, or laughed so hard in a long time! Girls were jumping on their dads, grabbing onto their ankles, and anything they could do to try to get an advantage. The dads would just swing their kid around with one arm, and catch and shoot the ball with their other arm. It was chaos; but in the midst of it all, everyone was so happy! I guess this really shouldn't have hit me like it did, but I think that these are moments that are far too rare. I mean, I'm not a parent or anything, but so often I see kids that are just starved for attention from their busy mom and dad. Just a little time throwing the basketball around is all they could ever want! Definitely makes me grateful that my dad always went out of his way to show up to every basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey game in high school. I'm pretty sure watching a field hockey game isn't on anyone's list of fun! Afterward, mom was always waiting at home with dinner to make sure I got a shower, ate, and got right to work on my homework. Anyway, this post was completely pointless... surprise, surprise! But, it was just so heart-warming to see what I saw at practice! I'm so glad there are great parents out there!

It Was Just My Imagination... Running Away With Me...

Okay, so I feel that it is necessary to clarify some things... okay, just one thing! My last post is not historically accurate... Yes, Starbucks did get robbed while I was working, the cops fought the man, a taser was used, and a foot race did follow. However, the other details concerning my role and the role of the other Starbucks folk were completely made up. We decided our version was more exciting. I didn't realize that so many people would take it as fact. The masses of text messages, phone calls, and facebook messages have made it clear to me that many people think I was actually tased and that I beat up a crook. While I wish it were true, I was merely a bystander throughout the action sequence. Just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing just fine! The idiot was caught and three different states are waiting to have a crack at him. Starbucks is functioning as normal, so you may continue to order your lattes. But, don't forget to tip your baristas... after all, some punk made off with all our tips (minus the $.35 he dropped in the fight)!

Go On, Take the Money and Run...

This post is for my fellow Starbucks baristas that were not working on the evening of February 17, 2009. You may have heard rumors about what went down at our lovely place of employment, but I am here to tell you that they are just rumors! Josh, John, Lisette and I would like to clarify the events of the evening. Yes, a man did steal a bunch of stuff and try to return it for cash... as well as jack our hard-earned tips; however, let me tell you what the cops won't. Realizing that this what the man that has been stealing from all the Starbucks in the district, John went to the office to call the cops. Meanwhile, the rest of us stalled the suspect with our impeccable acting skills. When the cops pulled up, the man tried to bolt. Without hesitation, Josh jumped over the bar and tackled the guy to the ground. Then, I came to the rescue and proceeded to give this punk the whoopin' of his life! The cops, wanting to feel like they had taken part in the subduing of the suspect, decided to tase the man. Of course, they missed. One beam hit Josh, the other hit me. Since we were tangled in a tussle, the circuit was completed and both Josh and I were debilitated. Obviously, at this point, the man was able to get up and and make a break for it! The cops were unable to catch him, and the man got away. Later on, he was spotted at the Shell station by another officer. That officer was able to catch the crook, due to the fact that the crook was barely able to walk from the beating I had dished him earlier. While all of this happened, Lissette was able to cover register, bar, drive-thru, and handle the influx of phone calls. John, being the great shift supervisor he is, saw in the security camera that Josh and I clearly had things under control (until the cops showed up), so he decided to stay in the back and work on pre-close, so that we could be as efficient as possible! Lissette, you deserve a promotion! John, you deserve a raise! Josh, we deserve a cash reward and a phone call from ole Howard Schultz himself! As for the rest of you baristas, be honored to work with such Legends... know that you are always safe with us around! Side note- we were able to find $.35 of our stolen tips on the sidewalk. That Joker apparently lost the change in the scuffle. So no worries, we got a large chunk of the tips back!

Good Morning, Baltimore...

When you hear "Baltimore," what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe crime? violence? "The Wire?" Well, there is a whole lot more to this wonderful place! Allow me to enlighten you!
Cal Ripken. The Iron Man. He's a Baseball Legend and we are more than proud to claim him!
Babe Ruth... another Baseball great! You may not know him as an Oriole, but Baltimore was most definitely his home.Back in the day, before Peyton Manning, the Colts resided in the great city of Baltimore. Indianapolis likes to talk about their past quarterback, Johnny Unitas, but when he wore the jersey, it didn't say Indianapolis!

We also know how to play basketball. Nike has a clever little Carmelo Anthony advertisement slogan- "Be-More." Hmmm? Any connection to Baltimore... I think so!
Quoth the Raven, nevermore. A great poet... a little crazy... but a great poet. And our football team was named because of ole Edgar Allan Poe.Not enough can be said about this woman. Harriet Tubman is a name for the history books! We are more than honored to claim this lady as a Baltimorean.

We also kick butt in medicine... thanks to the #1 hospital in the nation- Johns Hopkins University.

Hairspray, the musical, comes to life at HonFest. I'm ashamed to admit that I have never made it to this glorious event... but it will happen!
Steamed blue crabs... mmmmmmmm.... If you haven't tasted these little jewels, you haven't lived!

The Natty Boh song... "National Beer,National Beer.You'll love the taste of National Beer. And while I'm singing, I'm proud to say, It's brewed on the shores of Chesapeake Bay!"

If you need a paternity test or want to talk to the spirit of your dead dog, we can do that for you as well! Thank you, Montel Williams... graduate of Andover high school... Class President... nicknamed "Tiny Hiny"
You know you love this guy! "Oh, baby, you... you got what I need. But you say I'm just a friend. You say I'm just a friend." And Mario also did pretty stinkin' well on "Dancing With The Stars."

Yes, World, you can thank us for the "Thong Song." Sisqo, formerly of the group Dru Hill (from Druid Hill Park in Baltimore), brought this little dance number that dominated the phone lines at TRL.

Finally, his legal troubles are over. Once again, we can be proud of this Baltimore native. Mr. Phelps, you are remarkable! Ladies, I will leave this photo at a slightly larger size for ya!

In conclusion, hon, I am proud to be a Balti-moron!

Got Some Dirt on my Shoulder, Could You Brush it Off for Me?

What is your most embarrassing moment? That's a question you've probably been asked a lot in your life. So, why do I bring this up? Well, today I was thinking about the fact that every time someone asks me that question, I instantly go back to kindergarten... kindergarten??? Really??? Who has a single worry or care at that age? I mean, I thought all kindergartners were busy licking their paste and drinking Kool-Aid... at least that's what I was doing. Anyway, one day (back in the Mrs. Long's class), I was waiting in the "car-rider" line after the bus-riders had been dismissed. We were standing up, and I was staring off into space like I do so often. Mrs. Long told us to be seated, but due to my mental absence, I didn't hear her. The boy behind me, Jason (yes, I still remember his name), didn't want me to get into trouble. So, he gave my shorts a little tug to alert me. Well, I guess he tugged a little too hard, cause my shorts fell to my ankles! As all the other little, punk, kindergarten boys laughed, I just wanted to cry... and I was a super sensitive kid. I was pretty sure I'd never be able to face my class again... and I was all of like 4 years old! It wasn't until quite a few years later that I was able to look back at that and laugh... I know, I'm a nerd! All that to say, when something humiliating happens, we have to just laugh and brush it off like it ain't no thang! So, here is my attempt to look back at past humiliations and laugh... Enjoy!

A few years ago, I had a repeat of the kindergarten incident. I was in the packed lobby of my church before a wedding, talking to my mom and another lady. All of a sudden, I felt a breeze! Who's dress pants just fall to the ground?!?! I mean, come on!! It was definitely embarrassed! Apparently I have issues with pants! Unfortunately, I wasn't four years old this time... try about twenty years old! I'm just now getting to a point where I can laugh about that one...

This past summer, at "drama camp," Bernard, Tyler and I decided to go to CVS. We piled into my car, got out "Pinocchio," my GPS, and entered CVS as our destination. The GPS said, "Go left," so we went left. Then, it immediately said, "arriving at destination."Yes, we had driven, and used a GPS, to get across the street...! At least I wasn't the only one that could be blamed.

In high school, I once shot at the wrong basket during a basketball game... thankfully, people started yelling at me when I went to shoot, so I jerked my hand and missed.

In middle school, I was playing basketball with some friends in a church parking lot. There was a chain that draped across the sidewalk behind the basket. For some reason, I decided to jump over the chain to retrieve the ball. Well, I have absolutely no vertical! I got tripped up on the chain and fell flat on the asphalt. I hit SO hard that I got the wind knocked out of me... and everyone (mostly boys) was standing right there watching! Complete and total humiliation!

Summer of '07, I was on stage at Belmont University, getting ready for "Benji and Bertie." The set was set up on the wood slabs that had wheels. Well, unbeknownst t0 me, the wood slabs had been painted black to blend in with the floor. I don't need any help falling... I do it just fine on my own. But, I went to walk backstage and didn't see the wood (since it was now black) and tripped on it. I tried to catch my balance, but in doing so, i hit another slab and crashed to the floor, nearly taking "The Underground" set with me. You could hear it all over the auditorium and everyone rushed the stage to check on me. I was so embarrassed that I had to just lay there and laugh for a few moments.

Pretty much anything associated with Mega Relay in the summer of '08 was beyond embarrassing. It would take me ten hours to share all of that, but feel free to ask me for specifics... or you can ask anyone on the '08 NGU Fuge staff. I clearly have issues with standing on my own two feet. A piece of advice: no matter what anyone tells you, DO NOT do Izzy Dizzy!

Then there are those moments when you do something stupid, and it wouldn't really matter, but it gets caught on tape. Like on family vacation... I couldn't have my younger cousins show me up in Chubby Bunny! I had to represent! Little did I know, the video would be viewed by more than just those who share my genes. So, in effort to ante up & put everything on the table, enjoy:

Warning: Fat Kid Moment!

There are tons and tons of embarrassing things that have occurred in my life. I know there are incidents far worse than what I have mentioned, but I have forced them from my memory. If you have been there to experience any others, please share... I know you're not laughing at me, but with me... cause I can guarantee I'm laughing!

All Them Mocha Lattes, You Gotta Do Pilates...

Allow me to vent for a second. Working at Starbucks, I have really come to learn just how high-maintenance and demanding people have become. I mean, really!? "Oh, I'm sorry your Quad, Venti, 1/2 Caf., Soy, Extra Caramel, Upside Down, Lite Foam, Stirred, 176 degree, 6 Pump Caramel Macchiato was steamed to 177 degrees!... Let me remake it for you!... Of course you deserve a free drink coupon for the inconvenience!" Sound like a stretch... hardly! Or the lady that yelled at me because the Starbucks Corporation discontinued Melon Syrup... obviously THAT'S MY fault! And stop ordering cappuccinos, only to complain that there is too much foam... it's a CAPPUCCINO! Wow, I feel so much better now that I have gotten that off my chest! I really do have some great customers though! Having said that, I have decided I need to challenge myself. Those lovely regulars come in, and I can spout out their drink exactly, but I have NO IDEA what their name is. They're always so pleasant. I really should know them beyond "Quad Iced Venti Raspberry Mocha Guy" or "Venti Non-Fat, w/ Whip, Stirred, 6 Pump White Mocha Lady." Well, I just had a little self-reflection... While it seems everyone is so high-maintenance and demanding, I am apparently impersonal and too distracted by what I'm doing to take a second, smile, and make a friend! How hard is that?! Things are gonna start looking up...! But please, easy on the specifics... we don't give out an award for filling in all the boxes on the side of the cup!

Lets Get It Started...

So, I enjoy reading blogs. They're fun... you never know what you're gonna get; some are meaningless, humorous, serious, thought-provoking, and pretty much any other adjective you can think of. I have thought many times about doing my own, but it just seemed so cheesy... no offense! No matter where I am though, I have loved ones that want to know what I'm up to... I'm kind of a nomad and am fully aware of the fact that I'm hard to keep up with. So, I figured, why not do a blog? This could, and probably will, be a disaster... in fact, I'll probably post once a month or something and have nothing to say. But let's give it a shot! If you wanna get inside my head, here's your chance... I know, you can hardly contain your joy and excitement! Let the journey begin...

Note- all the titles of my posts will be song names or lyrics... so make it into a game!