Things I've Learned This Week

Things I Have Learned This Week:

1. Time Management is CRITICAL when you work for yourself. I found myself sort of feeling like I was supposed to be doing something, yet somehow I got everything accomplished. 

2. Yacht Rock is my latest obsession. I blame #BraggJam. Though I have always loved 10CC, The Commodores, Ambrosia, Christopher Cross,Hall & Oates,  etc... I am back on this soft rock kick from hell. Can't. Get. Enough. In particular... THIS song. I probably played it 1/2 a dozen times the other day as I was scooting across town to run errands.

 

3.  I have officially complicated my life... and I am WELL aware of it. Details will come.. and yes, it's in the "love interest" territory.. but .. c'est la vie. I'm having fun. ;-)

4. It's Clinique Bonus Time at Belk. Need I say more? The ugly phase is over. ;-)

5. I have a $183 grocery bill today. Why? It's a whole lot cheaper to purchase food to prepare versus going out to eat. Now that I am working from home, it just makes more sense. I checked out my Wells Fargo budget breakdown.. and... um... er.. I was spending close between $600 - $800 a month in "entertainment." Which when I looked closely - was restaurants/etc.  Yeah.. that grocery bill makes sooo much more sense now.

6. Okay.. now.. I'm just going to say it. It's not cool, but I don't care. I have spent money on super expensive shampoo, I've bought the natural stuff, and I've bought the smell good stuff. I TRIED to make a switch to some other "highly promoted" expensive crap, and my hair has felt like straw. (Which contributed to my ugly phase post.) I finally just picked up my old fave... Pantene Volume and it was like a miracle had occurred. I'm going on the record and saying this is the only shampoo that works for me. There, damn it. I'm done with trying other things. My old standby is perfect. No more ugly duck phases.

7. I have so much more "me" time and I feel complete joy. Did you hear me? JOY. 

8. I thought I would give a shout out to some of my friends in Macon. It was such a delight to pick up this month's Macon Magazine and see 4 of my friends right there listed as part of the 5 under 40. I don't think they could  have picked four more incredibly wonderful people. What do we all have in common? We're all Leadership Macon graduates! Dominique Johnson (is a minister, as well as one of the advisers to my Leadership Macon class,)  Chris Tsavatewa (is a professor at Middle Georgia State College & serves as the head of the community board I serve on for Star Choices, and I consider a newer friend (his wife is awesome too!,)) Jonathon Dye (is a very dear friend and the Communications Director at Macon Arts Alliance and now someone I work with doing the Art Matters Journalism bit,) and of course, Stacey Harwell (she is Jonathon's fiance and a minister at Centenary & a dear friend.) These four are soooo dedicated to our community and I am genuinely thrilled they were selected.

Dominique Johnson, Steward Vernon, Chris Tsavatewa, Jonathon Dye, Stacey Harwell

9. Is it just me.. or are you over summer? I figured out this week that I have a threshold for handling humidity and I have officially reached it. Bring on pumpkin spice, bring on the bold/Autumn colors, and bring on the cool evenings. DYING here, people.

10. Finally... I'm okay. Really! Maybe doing better than I have in a very long time. 

With that.. let me show you a little of what I have been up to:

Lynn, Scott, & Bill (& me.. though I'm taking the photo) at the Cox Capital Theater watching the Grammy Winning - Blind Boys of Alabama at Bragg Jam.

My friend and curator of the museum, Jeff, celebrating his 50th bday!

Need I say more?

Chilling with my mom at her Gallery

Hanging out at Macon Arts Alliance's opening for "Figures" with Glennean (artist,) Steven (dir of Main Street Macon,) Molly (PR guru,) Jonathon (mentioned him earlier,) and Melissa (dir of The 567 for Renewal (a gallery))

Friend & Coworker, Tonya, at Jeff's Bday party

Me about to facilitate the Board Retreat for Middle Georgia Art Association

The insanely talented artist, Eric O'Dell, with one of his paintings. Click on his name to learn more about his wildly successful career. :-)

Lynn with Dewayne Kendrick (artist,) Deonna (arts advocate,) and Franodo (great friend.)

Josephine (Station manager of GPB Macon - Georgia Public Broadcasting) and me at Bragg Jam.

Scott and I hanging out in downtown Macon

I went to see The Wedding Singer at Macon Little Theater. My friend Georgia portrayed Linda, and her husband, Brian, was Robby Hart! They did an incredible job!

That little nugget made a cheesy chicken casserole with me.

Two newer characters in my life. Two great friends- Brent Milner who owns the Milner Group of Georgia (Allstate agency) and Derek Huff - handles financial securities/etc with Allstate. I am doing some PR for them, and of course, we are actually all good friends.) Lynn and I hang out with them from time to time. :-)

Me - having lunch at Harpin's in Macon.

That crazy little "power couple" - Stacey & Jonathon with me - at Bragg Jam. #dyewell Yes.. they have their own hashtag. lol

Eleta & Alex Morrison at the Macon Arts Alliance exhibit opening reception. Alex is the King of downtown - as in the head of the Urban Development Authority. Super nice couple.

The fabulous Carey Pickard and Chris Howard. Chris & I were in Leadership Macon together. He is also my main contact at Cox Communications for promotions. :-)

The group I lead at the Board Retreat. Helping artists & arts organizations become the best they can be!

One of my dearest friends, JJ Hobbs. Click on that link and get blown away by incredibly cool she is. She and I were at The Wedding Singer together.

Molly & I at The Hummingbird during Bragg Jam. Check out her blog please - Make It Work Molly

Lynn & Eric (minister at Centenary) at Bragg Jam

Lynn, Craig Hamilton, and I at The Hummingbird at Bragg Jam. Craig is another PHENOMENAL and widely successful artist. Just how successful? Well.. he is the one who worked for DC Comics and created Aqua Man. Seriously. Just google him. You'll be blown away. ;-)

Deonna, me, & Jonathon at an exhibit opening at Macon Arts Alliance

Dean Brown (the wildly talented lead singer for Dean Brown & the Dub Shak,) and Lynn

Stopped by the say hi to Jason Frost - just one of the most talented artist/graphic artist around. He just will NOT smile for a pic. lol Check out his stuff HERE.

Stephanie & I at Bragg Jam

Molly & Scott

Just hanging out at a party with Representative James Beverly. ;-)

Hanging out with Paul Harpin (owner of Harpin's) and Molly

Enjoying art with my friends Melissa & Molly

The graphic artist, Jason Frost, with incredibly talented digital artist, Craig Coleman. Craig was showing one of his unique pieces.

Molly & Katie at the Tubman

Travis at Jeff's bday

Molly at Jeff's bday

As you can see - I have not been writing as much, but I have been out living, grabbing inspiration, and loving life.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!

Things I Have Learned This Week - Staycation Edition

Remember these? Yep - It is time to take a look back over my week. I used to post one of these each Saturday, and if I can remember to do it, I hope to try this again.

So... Here we go:

Things I Have Learned This Week

The Staycation Edition

1.  Staycation can be a trap. Work knows you are home. Friends and family know you are home, but they all also know you are on vacation. However, somehow the typical rules of vacation do not seem to exist to them. Calls and requests, people. Calls and requests. Just know - I'm not responding until Monday.

2. White girl by pool for one week = Freckles. Just lots and lots of freckles with a splash of pink.

3. I got a lot accomplished in my home. Things I simply did not have energy for any other time. That was worth 500 emails on Monday morning.

4. I don't know why I thought I would be able to sleep in. I have two cats. Cats = furry toddler-like behavior for the rest of your life. 

5.  When you are interested in someone... and they know you are on vacation.. and you are staying in town.. and they make no effort to see you - #DoNotPassGo 

6. Mopping with bleach water turned me into a screaming banshee. Cats + Bleach Water is like a moth to a flame. Stop! You're going to kill yourself! You are using up all of your nine lives!

7. I never once turned on the cable tv. Why? THERE IS NOTHING ON THE NETWORKS. Why am I paying $156 a month for this shit?

8. For the past couple of weeks, I have been watching LOST. I'm on the second season. This thing is like an onion that just won't peel!

9. At night, I am rewatching True Blood with my roomie. She is a True Blood virgin. I think I have officially gotten her into vampires. 

10. You will NOT believe what I am reading. It's terrible. Absolutely terrible writing, but because I bought/download all three books onto my Kindle about a year ago, I thought I should finally read it - The 50 Shades of Grey series. Total rubbish. Crap. But damnit, I'm going to read it and see what all of the fuss is about. S&M doesn't do it for me. Nor does this stupid chick in the book. *gag*

11. First World Problems - Keurig bit the dust - again. Thank God I had a back up espresso machine this morning.

12. I am a restless spirit. Period.

13. I reorganized my closet and realized that I have entirely too many clothes. Yes, it is possible. 

14. Also - staying home has afforded me the opportunity to plan out my life. I think I know what I need to do. Now, let's see how bad I want it. 

15. I am not sure how my roommate is able to live strictly off cereal. lol (I've never seen someone eat so much cereal.) I've also added this line to see if she even reads my posts. Ha!

16. Going down water slides repeatedly can cause your ass to ache for a week. 

17. I think I suffered from seasonal depression yesterday. Tis the season for fireworks and cookouts, and no one invited me to one. That in turn made me depressed. lol 

18. Naps are delicious. Yes, I only just learned this in my 40s.

19. I actually wore flip flops this week and I did not die. 

20. And finally, I made my peace with God. We had a long talk about how tough the past 5 years have been. I think we are back on better speaking terms. ;-) 

Things I Learned This Week

1. Taking over a week for vacation is hazardous to your health upon return. I had a super short week - 3 days, but I feel like someone beat me up.

2. I say I don't care what I wear to All That Jazz on January 25th, but for whatever reason, I can't seem to make up my mind and select a cocktail dress.

3. I have tons of dresses in my closet. Still not sure why I feel the need to purchase a new one.

4. I love that purple smell. You know.. the grape one? I bought Aussie's hair spray. I was feeling nostalgic.

5. I sort of like seeing the movie or television series before I read the book. I am currently reading the Sookie Stackhouse True Blood series, and it's nice to be able to have an actual face in my mind while I read. Silly, right?

6. Allergies. They are going to be the death of me. Not literally. But.. sheesh. Woke up yesterday congested - AGAIN. I think it's my office. I am fine when I am home, etc. But as soon as I walk back into that museum - BOOM.. sick. It's an old building.

7. I decided I love living in the south. Yep. It's a done deal. I like our culture. Our quirkiness. I think I am content. Why fight it? Right?

8. Speaking of allergies, I am back on my magic brew: Nasanex and Zyrtec. Trust me.

9. The egyptian and I actually had a "couples" dinner with another.. well... couple, and they were not ARAB. It's a miracle. He's branching out. I'm proud of him.

10. Sooo.. I have procrastinated going to the gym. I joined Thursday. (or was it Wednesday.) Maybe it was Wednesday. I planned to go Thursday, instead I went to bed at 8:30pm. Friday I had an event at the museum... sooo. today's the day. Right?

11. I got super excited about yoga twice a week. I ordered my little sticky socks, a yoga bag, a new mat and strap. I will be styling in yoga. Hopefully it will help with my tension.

12. Zumba.. my sweet, dear Zumba, will be back in my life on Tuesday!

13. I lvoe my Kindle. Why did I wait so long to get it?

14. I love my Keurig. I love the carousel I bought to hold my various coffee blends. Again, why did I wait so long?

15. To answer both of those questions... Money.

16. I want to go to Charleston. I am ashamed to say, I have never been. Seriously. I've done Savannah a bazillion times, New Orleans, Macon, Atlanta, Jackson, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Mobile, Montgomery, and just about all of Florida, but somehow I have left out a very important city in the South - Charleston. I think it's next on my weekend trip list.

17. I am back to wearing heels again. Retraining the feet. It's been a while. I've restrengthened my ankles. (Losing 22 pounds has not hurt either!)

18. I bought a jewelry tree and life is so less complicated now.

19. I am ashamed to say - I actually liked the normal burger better. At the Rookery, I have been ordering the local, grass fed meat. But it is less fatty, so the burger is ... well.. less juicy to me. The other burger is fattier, so.. it's juicier. I'm ashamed to admit it.

20. Finally, and this is for those (more on a personal level) that might read this. Though we have our ups and downs, my friend Telisa and I have been friends for 27 years. We've been super tight for the past 21 years. Do you really think you can tell me something about her (that is negative) and it NOT get back to her? NOPE. Think people. Loyalty to those I am truly loyal to is for real. Just remember that. :-)

Things I have learned this week

This week's "Things I have learned" are dedicated to some random trial counselor from New Orleans, Louisiana. As my friend and I were leaving Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (the oldest bar in America,) he (along with his group of 3 others) stopped us to chat. They were celebrating with his future brother-in-law (the wedding was just a day away) and decided to impart some wisdom.. before we made our way back to our room...

(PS - He repeated this at least 4 dozen times.. he was completed wasted and I was completely sober. I was laughing my head off... we tried to leave over and over but he was very insistent to share this:)

1. NEVER go north of Rampart Street. You WILL be raped and murdered.

2. NEVER go further (past) Frenchman's Street. Again... you WILL be raped and murdered.

3. NEVER go down any of the alleyways without lights or people... you WILL be raped and murdered.

4. All of those are really bad for tourism.

5. (Upon mentioning we were headed to Cafe du Monde at midnight he said:) Don't go to Cafe du Monde - too many damned tourists.

6. Instead, go to Esplanade Mall in the morning. Same damn coffee and same damn donuts.  (ha!)

7. If you need a decent steak at two in the morning, walk a few blocks to Dejavu. But be careful.. you will have to cross the "cross dresser" section, and most are prostitutes.

8. If you want a good beer - D.B.A. over 100 different brands on tap.


9. Always stay on Bourbon Street. You will be safe there. AND you won't be raped and murdered.

10. The whole vampire bit is crap.

11. But raping and murdering is real.

12. Lafayette is the best for good Cajun food.

13. Always go into a place (in Lafayette) that looks scary.

14. Plus - if the waitress has no teeth, then you know you are in the right place.

15. He was quite impressed we took a swamp tour in Lafitte. He said that's the good stuff.

There were a few other morsels he kept spilling and asking me to repeat to him, until .. and yes.. I have it memorized.

Needless to say, we walked to Cafe du Monde, had some cafe au lait (decaf) and beignets.

Life IS good.

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. Christmas Lights. The Christmas Tree. Christmas Music. Little pieces of Holiday Cheer. It's magic, if you will let it.

2. Solitude is really good for reflection.

3. Egg nog is one of my favorite things about the holidays.

4. I can bury the hatchet. But only when I deem it necessary.

5. Vertigo. It's VERY intense. As well as the medicine they give you for it.

6. I need to throw more poetry cafes. It was a huge success last night. I even read some of my work. ;-)

7. Went to a Leadership Macon interview. (I was nominated.) What in the world am I getting myself into?

8. Muscle tension. Extreme. I think I have been sleeping so hard at night, and the weather is cool, my little muscles and joints respond. (Must be the age thing.)

9. I am super excited about an upcoming trip! My bestie and I are heading down to New Orleans. Her 1st time, my 6th time... but I love it EACH time.

10. In about a week I plan to do an overhaul on the Ole Bug. 4 new tires, oil change, massive detailing. She will fly across the deep south on our trip in good shape!

11. One of my closest friends (who is 6 years old than me and worked for YEARS as a TV anchor) was a huge proponent of Botox. She told me DO IT DO IT DO IT. Then my ex-roomie, who is gorgeous, works in a Day Spa and she said the same. Fast forward to Wednesday, and the tv friend said, "Don't it." She said she had been doing it for a few years and it messed her face up for a while. Okay... well.. there's my decision. Will. Not. Do . It.

12. BTW - I am insane about skin. I LOVE good skin. That's the obsession with #11. I do not lay out. I do not use a tanning bed. I use a sunscreen daily. I moisturize, exfoliate, and cleanse morning and night. I try to drink lots of water. INSANE about skin.

13. I am OFFICIALLY joining a gym next Friday. I think I am ready (financially.) YAY!

14. I heard my work gives Christmas Bonuses. Is this possible?

15. I am beat, worn out, sleepy. I worked hard for the money last night. Again, the Poetry Cafe was a success.

16. I just love Shel Silverstein. Always have, always will.

17. I want another tattoo. I do. I know what I want. Just not sure if I should.

18. My biggest fear is that I don't live life to the fullest. I honestly treat each day as if it were my last. Why can't other people get on board? ;-)

19. I love my blog.

20. I promise to be a better blog reader. I am trying to schedule time to respond to other blogs, etc on my lunch break. I just haven't had a lot of time. Well.. that... and I spend about 4 hours a night watching something on Netflix. ;-)

Things I've Learned This Week

1. The television series on AMC called, "Breaking Bad" is.. well.. Bad Ass. I finished all four seasons (FINALLY.)

2. Since my relationship with "Breaking Bad" is over.. I've felt a little lost. I'm not sure how to function without my lovable neighborhood meth cook and his untrusty side kick.

3. However, due to that relationship coming to a stand still (for now,) I did watch two FANTASTIC movies on Netflix: I finally saw Footloose 2 (cute,) and I watched "House of Spirits." I've got to tell you, it was one of the best movies I have seen in a really long time. The story was GREAT.

4. Work was peaceful this week. ;-)

5. Up until Thursday afternoon. I NEVER open my check stub/envelope thing. For some RANDOM reason, I did. Found a $200 discrepancy- NOT in my favor. *sigh* Should be fixed by Monday.

6. This week was tough at home. Really tough. Cold. Quiet. But I stood my ground.

7. I actually got into the holiday spirit for a little while today. I started the morning off with the Christmas station on Pandora. It's contagious, I tell you!

8. I did attend the Tree Lighting last night. Alone. But I did attend.

9. I'm in the throws of planning my 40th bday party. IT.WILL.BE.EPIC.

10. When Autumn sleeps next to me, and she is breathing out of her mouth, versus her nose... it looks like she has vampire fangs. Both front teeth are missing, and she always had sharp looking fang-like incisors. Very trippy. A baby vamp curled up next to me.

11. I went to Amanda's Cakery for just a cake tasting experience.

 

 

I ended walking out with 4!

12. I decided to carry on the holiday tradition for another night. Autumn and I sat on my bed and watch "Babes in Toyland." She and I were very concerned about Humpty Dumpty. Just so you know - it's all good. ;-)

 

13. The idea of decorating for the holidays, is exciting. The fear of not having everything (since I have not touched my items since 2010,) sends chills up my spine.

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!

Things I have learned this week

1. There are multiple ways to be allergic to Yellow Jackets. Swelling and rash for some, ER for others.

2. Reconciliation is freaking awesome.

3. Sometimes the kindest compliments come from the least likely people.

4. Making a pumpkin pie is almost as satisfying as shopping. Well.. maybe not, but that's what I keep telling myself.

5. One can live off of Gossip Girl and no other forms of entertainment.

6. In my opinion, Joe Biden wiped the floor with Paul Ryan.

7. I accept my curmudgeon-esque behavior.

8. I am seriously considering cutting my hair into a medium length bob. Maybe..

9. I would like to take a pottery class. Seriously. I know I've mentioned it before, but I would REALLY like to give it a try.

10. My Saturdays with Autumn are phenomenal.. though admittedly, she drives me bonkers half of the time. However, moments like right now.. when she is sitting next to me, calming down from an exciting day.. I remember why I invited her in the first place. :-)

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. That at any point, on any given day, something can go from a GREAT day to an incredibly TERRIBLE day.

2. That faith in GOD can get you through a lot. As well as learning to really love yourself. You just might need to remind yourself from time to time.

3. That jealously is one evil little demon some people need to work really hard on squelching. All you can do is control how you react to their bright green color.

4. That the crisp cool breeze of fall seems to wake me up. On several occasions this week, I lifted my arms - held them out - and just let the cool breeze fill me with such joy. It's the little things.

5. That honestly, trust... hmmm..

6. I totally cheated. All. Week. Long.. on weight watchers. Shame on me. Time to start over. I let stress take me down and out.

7. A real cold is sincerely terrible. I have been doctoring a cough for weeks now. Blech.

8. I saw some terrible things come out of some people's mouths this week. Really terrible things, AND they were supposed to be representing our community.

9. I hope the little guy I gave my last few coins to on the side walk today will use that money for good and not drugs. Or if he gets drugs.. I hope they are good drugs.

,...

Joking.

10. I have finally accepted that something has come to an end. I'll be just fine.

11. I got fantastic news from my doctor. Just know, that's a good thing. Clear for 3 more years, and I will be clear for good. (C cells.)

12. I am going to need a lot of support in the coming months. I hope that the right people rally around me. Regardless of what the outcome.

13. I've watched an old guard get de-throned and a new guard take their place. I am curious how long this group will last.

14. I really wish some of my Bham friends would visit. *hint hint*

15.  Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine is a perfect way to end an Indian Summer.

16. I look forward to bed, just so I can drink coffee when I wake up.

17. BTW - Not sleeping so well this week.

18. I think my new meds (for PCOS) are starting to take effect. Every time I eat, I want to puke. Might help my whole diet. ;-)

19. I am going to miss having Auttie Blossom visit.

20. Love is compassionate, honest, resilient, passionate, loyal and lifts you higher. This I know for sure.

Things I Learned... a Year Ago

This morning, as I was thinking about how far I have come in the last year, I thought it might be a good idea to actually take a look back - one year ago.

As you know, each week I write a list called, "Things I Have Learned This Week." I've been doing this for about two years now. I found this time last year's list - it was written on Sept. 9th, 2011. Interesting to see the differences... (which I will notate below:)
*********************************************************
September 9, 2011.

Another week is drawing to a close, and many a-lesson was learned.

1. That a keratin treatment is EXACTLY what I needed to treat my hair. It's as if my little follicles got to visit a health spa for a week, and have come out all rejuvenated. The good news is- I have kept up this little tradition and it has made all the difference in the health of my hair.

2. That bangs really are the cheapest way to combat wrinkles. Not to mention, it does not require muscle paralysis or botulism being shot into the skin. *Interestingly enough, my bangs have completely grown out. But I plan to do something about that soon.

3. That body splashes work as an excellent substitute for proper perfume. (Though, it's not my first choice.) *I was unemployed at the time. Back to Chanel. ;-)

4. That exotic fruit medley sherbet has become my favorite treat. *Now it is dill pickles

5. PUMPKIN SPICE IS SOOOO NICE.
Don't believe me? Watch this -

sadness... I have not had one yet.. it's coming.

6. That drinking sweet tea before bed will cause two things to happen: 1. Frequent Urination 2. Extended "awake" hours.
* I have since discovered anything with sugar will do that do me.. except for the whole urination bit.

7. That alcohol (rubbing) removes excess hair color from your face/neck/hairline/ears/etc.
 *Thank God I have not had another Stylist make that same mistake since then.

8. Country Chic (fragrance) at Bath & Bodyworks makes me happy.
*Yeah... I still like it.. just not as much.

9. That if it weren't for The Sims 3, Netflix, Millionaire Matchmaker, Real Housewives of NJ, and Jersey Shore - I would not have survived unemployment,
*My biggest truth of all

10 .  That I have just about found every "long lost friend" due to social media.

*and some I would rather not find
11. That my new "something" is just around the corner!!
*It was.. just 7 months later...

12. That I am pleased as punch that Leanne introduced me to Pinterest. However, it is taking me a few random tries to figure it out.
*Now I am the QUEEN of pinterest.

13. That I could fill up my calendar with coffee 'dates' for the rest of the week with some really nice folks.

*Oh how I miss those people...
14. That my eyes (believe it or not) are bigger than my stomach. I barely made a dent:

* hahaha.. now I am on Weight Watchers and would not even CONSIDER eating this..
15.  That I am more and more comfortable on Twitter... (finally) - and have you discovered Tweetdeck? You should.
*I am rocking it on Twitter now. I actually prefer it to FB

16. That Vinny from the Jersey Shore is just too adorable. hahahaa
*This is true.

17. That I don't know what I am going to do if I have to move to Georgia, where to begin?
*HA! Who knew?

18. That if I get hired here - at the TV station - what a HUGE reminder-learning-curve I will have to conquer.
*Well.. that did not happen...

19. That taking a vitamin on an empty stomach can change my address from Birmingham, Al to Vomitus Americus. (Learned that on two different occasions.)
* Yeah.. um.. I switched to children's gummy vitamins..

20. Finally - that I love love love him, and I love love love God.. and Trust God.. and KNOW that I will be guided in the right direction.

*And he DID!!!!!!

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. Watching people, more manic than I, can completely wear me out. I'm not as hyper as I used to be. When I see someone who has more energy, more excitement, more passion than I... suddenly I feel like my energy is being drained. Could it be? Could these people be actual emotional vampires?

2. Some people take things waaay too seriously. After my visit to the OB-GYN, I jokingly told a coworker, "I feel like I was violated." She looked at me so seriously and asked, "Nicole.. I am serious when I ask you this.. Do You feel violated? Do you think he did something inappropriately?" I paused. I looked at her like she was crazy, and shrieked, "No!!" Note to self: Keep the melodrama for people who really get your sense of humor. (I over act (not over react) but over act for fun around friends.) Clearly, this person does not interpret social cues very well.

3. The fact of the matter is, those two radio hosts in Alabama are complete morons. Unfortunately, more of those type of people follow a certain political party. No, I do not think people who follow that are morons - but to their party's detriment, too many morons aspire to be like them, so they taint the party. I know, I used to vote for the other side. Now, it just feels so wrong and dirty to even associate myself with that party. I've changed.

4. My interns have grown on me. They always do.

5. Apparently my weight loss (which I am so proud of,) is not enough to make my doctor proud. He has prescribed something to help me along the way. I am officially taking Metformin. Used for people with Insulin Resistance. Will actually help me lose weight and control some of the side effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We'll see...

6. I have 5 1/2 months until I turn 40. I CANNOT believe it. A major milestone.. and I am super nervous about it.

7. I think I am almost caught up on everything from the 9 months of unemployment. Slow and steady.. right?

8. I really wish I had a cat or dog. It gets lonely around these parts. Thank God for Netflix and a library full of books. And a good sense of humor. (Joys of living with a husband who stays busy with work and friends, and I without anything to distract me.)

9. I am crossing the threshold of crazy Aunt. I voluntarily decided to take my 6 year old niece to Monkey Joe's tomorrow. Yes... I did.

10. Reading Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine and feeling like it is the perfect book to read to wrap up summer! No one.. and I mean NO ONE can use descriptive words like that man. Talk about "painting the picture."

11. I am planning on an Autumn Party.. wanted to do it on the Equinox.. but don't think I will be able to, BUT I do have an idea for a theme. Soooo excited.

12. I am actually looking forward to my celebration of the season. Hope you guys join me!

13. I am addicted to the Java Shake at Roasted. It's two shots of espresso mixed with a vanilla shake. I think it is the reason I have reached a "plateau." Which means it is not a plateau.. but me consuming a vanilla milkshake each week. (Just one.. but still..)

14. I want a bike.

15. I need new tires and an oil change. Must. Wait.

16. I am SO excited that Starbucks is selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes now.

17. Growing sleepy...

18. I hate getting a cold that causes a month or two cough. NEVER FAILS.

19. Miss my friends in Birmingham. I need someone to come visit me!

20. Finally..... Oh finally...

All is well.

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. By turning things over to God.. healing can begin. Miracles do still exist. Things are slowly working themselves out.. according to HIS plan.

2. That studying St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises is an amazing experience. I highly recommend it.

3. That Java Shakes from Roasted will add a pound on weigh in day. Just. Say. No.

4. Shrek is always a good idea. :-)

5. I used to be a Republican. Then the super conservative totally turned me off from the party. I think there are many people just like me. After the RNC - the ignorant came out of the wood work. Nothing ever changes.

6. I am blown away on how much my niece has grown up. Each week, her vocabulary grows, her reading improves, her math... it's all happening so fast!

7. Listening to Madonna's Immaculate Collection while getting ready for work can put you in a fantastic mood.

8. So many friends are going through relationship issues, and I am refreshed to see that at the end of the day - all any of us really want is someone to love.

9. Andrea Bocelli soothes my soul.

10. I have tons of good ideas for the museum and I am looking forward to implementing them soon.


The list is short this week.. I am taking a tiny break.. blogging every other day.. but it is needed to recharge my battery.

Quality pieces are coming your way - I just need a tiny break. :-)

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. ......

2. I am addicted to Tomato Soup with Louisiana Hot Sauce.

3. You can live off Turkey Bacon and Egg whites, as long as you can indulge in a little spicy tomato soup from time to time.

4. There is a femi-nazi deep inside of me. She sort of reared her ugly head this week.

5. Depleting my caffeine consumption is never a good idea. I just need to accept the fact - My name is Nicole and I am a coffee addict.

6. I choose joy. I choose life. I choose to block out that negative $%#@&... there is nothing I can do about it now, so why wallow in self pity for the next 6-8 months. Just. Bide. My. Time.

7. I'm officially a grown up! I was accepted into the Downtown Rotary club. Probably not the youngest member, but very close to it.

8. I am also going to do something exciting - going to my first Writer's meeting in Macon. There are some creative people here.. can't wait to see what it is all about!

9. That the big university in town is going to have some incredible public art soon. Curious to see what's coming up after that. (In other words - would love to see works strategically placed around the city.) Was disappointed in the lack of diversity at that forum.

10. By implementing a private blog to completely vent.. I feel SO MUCH BETTER.

11. That exfoliating with a hard bristle body brush is such a wonderful way to feel baby soft and super clean. Can't explain it. Would have loved this thing back when I was a party girl was recovering from a long night.

12. That my sense of humor may not always translate. My apologies.

13. I have decided to dive into some art history and art marketing books and magazines. I need to better understand my product. Maybe a few African American history books would not hurt either. Brush up on what I have forgotten over the years.

14. Interns. Sometimes it just a lot of work. Kind of like having children, you have to check in on them, give them chores, double check it was done well... Maybe it's my age, but it's getting more and more difficult to get excited about having new ones. I like my old ones. It's more difficult to come up with projects at an institution versus a health-related cause.

15. Concealer people. Do I need to say more?

16. I'm ready to head back to mass. Like really ready. Bought a great book - Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 4 week personal retreat to do at home. Let the transformation begin!

17. That Hell House (the movie.. documentary on Trinity Church's scare tactic to get people to commit to Christ) is absolutely insane. I watched a scene where they told people that anyone with Aids was going to hell. Then said that the Hebrew bible was translated to the King James Version. O.M.G. Seriously?  Don't make me step on my Catholic soap box....
That may have inspired a post.

18. In regards to #17 - Just because you are told something is.. does not mean it is. Bless their hearts.

19. York Peppermint Patty Coffee Creamer makes me happy.

20. Yep - I'm BACK!!!!!! (Can you tell?) ;-)

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. My museum is on the verge of something HUGE. I can't wait to slowly leak it out. (Don't worry, it's okay.. it's my job to do that!)

2. I work with highly creative, highly intelligent people (for a change.) It's a nice feeling. No more boxes to work in. No more micro-managing. Gone are the days of being judged by a number.. now it's the quality and actual impact (out are the ridiculous goals tied to numbers you got from a billboard in my previous life.) THANK GOD.

3. That time spent apart (almost 2 weeks now) and absolutely no time talking (almost two weeks now).. unfortunately, nothing  changed. He walked in and said absolutely nothing to me.

4. Even if you do and become everything your significant other wants... it does not mean it will make that person happy.

5. I think in a few more weeks.. it may very well be the end. Or it may not. Who knows. ZERO communication.

6. I am completely heart broken.

7. I am resilient. I will be okay.

8. I did everything I could.

9. I am learning to be alone. Thank goodness for cheesiest tv marathons on Netflix and my books.

10. I need to get out more. (meetings don't count.)

11. That I guess I am officially a grown up. I have joined the downtown Rotary club in Macon.

12. That so many good things are happening, and I have no one to celebrate them with. That hurts too. Not even a proper BFF these days. Damn.. I need to make some new friends.

13. That coming down with a wretched cold won't actually kill you, but it feels like it should.

14. That being alone, having a HORRIBLE cold with fever, not talking to your other half and having a FULL week of meetings will not kill you either. But I am surprised it did not.

15. That I can smile and pretend everything is okay. I really should win an academy award.

16. That I can lose more weight if I take cold medicine and sleep the night away. (No dinner.)

17. That my nails look pretty painted red.

18. That I can STILL live off egg whites and turkey bacon.

19. That I finally feel like I am home (in my new place.)

20. That even though all of these bad things (personally) are happening around me, without me being able to  control it or change it on my own, I am actually okay. No, really, I am. Even through the cold, the hectic schedule and the lack of support - I can still find things to be super happy about. For ONCE.. they are overshadowing the bad.

Praise God.

;-)

Things I Have Learned This Week

1.



2. Friends are fantastic mirrors. They remind you of what is really going on in your life. Sometimes we just don't like what we see in the mirror.

3. Unless it is in writing, it may not come to fruition. Then it STILL may not come together, though you do have a little more "something" to work with.

4. Using a normal toothbrush is strangely refreshing. My electric/rotary.. overpriced toothbrush is spazzing, but a normal one. Felt.. rather.. nice.

5. Always run out of foundation and concealer the week of Clinique bonus time. SCORE!

6. Using a facial brush is a wonderful way to exfoliate. (Thank you, Stephanie!)

7. That people in Macon are super supportive of welcoming new comers into our city.

8. Sleep is NOT over rated. Repeat - sleep is NOT overrated. Forget what I said all of those years ago.

9.

10.



Things I Have Learned This Week

1. That I am blown away by the kindness of people in my hometown. I've been gone so long, and the people/places have changed - yet this new breed making things happen are just as open and warm to me as the old faces were back in the day.

2. Spending weekends with my niece, just the two of us, is fantastic for recharging my battery. The older she gets, the more I enjoy her company.

3. Clayten aka Satan. True Story: At lunch, my niece told me about her experience at VBS. Her step mother and father (while in Florida) enrolled her in one at a Protestant church in Ocala. Autumn's mom (my sister) is a pagan, while the rest of the family is Catholic. She looked at me (at lunch today) and says, "I know everything about Jesus now." I smiled and said, "Really? Tell me all about it." She then went on to say, "When we see the snake, Clayten, we growl at him." I listened and was trying to figure out who "Clayten" was. Then she said, "Make sure to say: Get behind me, Clayten." I busted out laughing... and said, "Autumn, do you mean Satan?" She looked at me so serious and said, "Yeah.. that guy." Cracks me up. hahahaha

4. One really, truly can live on egg whites and turkey bacon.

5. I look good in cobalt blue.

6. Swimming is amazing therapy. Both physical and emotional.

7. I still don't "get" the Olympics.

8. I have VIP passes to the Bronner Brother's Hair Show. Remember that film Chris Rock did on Good Hair? Well.. Upscale Magazine did a piece on us, and sent me passes. Now I need to figure out if I want to go to Atlanta alone and check this out!

9. Apparently lasers can cure everything. From wrinkles to fungus!

10. I love cheese.

11. That a simple thing like - color my hair - can make me feel good.

12. I am extremely uncomfortable when people make a comment about something I am wearing. Even when it is a "compliment." I don't like drawing a lot of attention to myself, believe it or not. OR.. you can pay attention, just don't TELL me.

13. I suppose I am just a bit shy.

14. So many fun visitors coming (lesson learned here - I DO CARE ABOUT PEOPLE) - my former exchange student from Australia is hiking the Appalachian trail and should be in Georgia in a few months. (he's some where near Maine.) Plus, two former interns are going to give Ol' Macon a chance and check out the job market!

15. It's nice to be in a more humid climate. Wait.. let me rephrase. My skin is happy to be in a more humid climate. Though Bham could get humid - it had NOTHING on Macon. The slogan for our city, "It's Hotter Here" means more than one thing!

16. Apparently my niece is impatient with me writing this and wants to go swimming - NOW.

17. Garlic toast before bed is never a good idea.

18. Especially when you consumed 6 prunes with dinner.

19. I'm finally reading some fiction. (again.) I go through phases.

20. I love South Korean House Music. Case in point:

Things I Have Learned This Week

Here we go:

1. That I can feel like a million bucks one minute, and all it takes is one negative thought/word/deed and the mood can shake. However, I am EXTREMELY resilient. Less than 24 hours and I am 100%. Take that haters.

2. That a whale is 98 feet and 3 tons. (Yeah, I had to look it up.) I do not look like a whale on TV.

3. My weight loss staple and trick - turkey bacon and egg whites.

4. Blond eyebrows sort of freak me out.

5. By gones should be by gones.

6. There is a new dance, "The Shakira," and my friend Telisa and I are the queen at it.

7. No doubt, I'm going to miss my friend Lisa. She's moving. I learned that I can form new/old friendships and grow close to people in a very short time.

8. I am still under the philosophy - 'I'll believe it when I see it.'

9. My new life is shaping up to be FANTASTIC.

10. Some of my financial worries will soon subside.... getting a raise (by the end of the month.)

11. I have a new found sense of security, now that my insurance has kicked in.

12. I am totally working the Weight Watchers program. I actually have will power. Woot!

13. I'm okay.  I'm working on me. I am living my life. If someone else once to join that ride, they are more than welcomed. But you can't make those you love, love you back. (Even though they are technically/legally bound to do so. LOL)

14. I love when I discover new music. Yes, I just learned this week.. that I enjoy the discovery.

15. I need more dancing in my life.. Again. You know what that means - time to look for a dance class, in the town that made me fall in love with dancing in the first place. Dare I look for an adult ballet class? Dare I contact an old teacher of mine? Dare I? Dare I? Ohh... maybe not yet... 30 more pounds... hmmm..

16. Prunes and probiotics are freaking fantastic.

17. Did I mention I am loving life?

18. Out of pain and turmoil, I do some of my best writing/creating/developing. Why are tortured souls more creative? hahahahaa

19. I have decided on red as the accent for the living and dining room.

20. I wonder if I can find some art history or womens studies classes to take.. for credit or not for credit, don't care. Hmmm...