Wednesday, July 31, 2013

It's summertime and that means...

...it's time for a summer haircut.

Before:




And after:


 Five inches are gone.  It feels great but I miss it already!

Two things I judge people on

1.  Whether or not they wear Toms.

2.  Their complete inability to avoid their ankles and soles of their feet when applying self tanner.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Interesting

I've had two coworkers throw interesting analogies at me today.  I thought I would share because honestly, they both nailed it!


(In reference to keeping up with a list of open tickets I've submitted to my tech team):

"It's like trying to play whack-a-mole!"


(In reference to awful conference calls that just drag on for hours):

"It's like watching that spanish train wreck in slow motion.  Apparently the guy was on the phone with the office and looking at a work paper, taking the corner at 2x the speed, when it came off the rails!"

Monday, July 29, 2013

Worst company logo EVER.

Thanks for pointing this one out Baron!

Well shit.

It finally happened.  After YEARS of drinking wine while doing my homework at night, I finally knocked over a wine glass.  Right onto my wireless keyboard for my own personal computer.


Damn it.


It seems to be working ok but dammmmnnnnn it.

My friend Hank is a rock star!

I love love love that I have so many musical friends.  I've known Hank since I was a freshman in high school.  Even back then he loved music.  I love seeing my friends living their dreams!  Here's a video of Hank on an open mic night tonight.  You'll have to fast forward through to around the 1:53:00 mark. 

Thanks for the shout out babe!  You did great!


Adventures in Saltville

While I was busy auditioning for the DIY network this past weekend, my boys went to Saltville to visit my in-laws.  I don't think they missed me much...

Taking a trip to the Dollar Store.



Tyler at the community pool.


Brier in the wave pool.



Tyler and Jayson on the golf course.



Brier catching his first fish in the pond.


I'm a DIY master!

I had the entire weekend to myself.  So what did I choose to do with my time?  DIY projects!

 First, I installed knobs and drawer pulls on all the cabinets in the kitchen.  It's hard to believe that we've lived in this house for over 9 years without hardware.  Don't they look great?



 Then I hung these bitches.  Hanging pictures by yourself isn't easy.  Especially at night after a glass or two of wine.  By the way, I got this right on the first try!





Next I put self stick tiles under the kitchen sink.  I like this project so much that I'm going to also do it in all the bathrooms.  Doesn't that look so much cleaner?  (Thanks Pinterest!)





Then I climbed on a ladder and did all the touch up painting in the master.  And I noticed this morning it needs another coat.  DAMMIT.




Then I tackled this mess.  And I'm only half done.




Much improved.



This fucker had to weigh at least 200 pounds.  Don't let that box fool you!!




And I needed a masters degree in Networking to put this back together.  Between the modem, wireless router, DVR box, Wii and DVD player, this took me almost an hour to get put back together.




WHEW.  I'm exhausted.  But the house looks freaking awesome!


Live each day to your fullest


This is Alan.  He's a former customer of mine from when I worked at the radio station and a dear friend.  Alan is also a cancer survivor.  In 2009, he discovered he had a very large brain tumor.  That never slowed him down!  Living life to the fullest has taken on new meaning for Alan.

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of seeing Alan living one of his dreams - to be the lead singer of a country band.  They rocked too!  Congratulations guys!


Quote of the day

GE - we bring good things to life.
And make you go cross-eyed.

-Baron Chandler

I needed to hear this today

And I'd give up forever to touch you...

...'cause I know that you feel me somehow




















And I don't want to go home right now.

-"Iris" the Goo Goo Dolls










(*two things: 10 days until the concert and I've had this on repeat this morning!)


Quote of the day

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.

- Jim Valvano

Confession

My favorite part of my husband being out of town in that I get to sleep with his Tempur Pedic pillow.

One year from now...

... I will be able to play this.  I'm trying to learn this right now but it's slow going.  I give myself a year and I'll be performing this at my first recital.   :)

Listen and watch here.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

I wonder


That's just tragic

PostSecret doesn't always make me sad.  But this one brought the tears.  God help me that I never ever have to deal with something as tragic as this.


Friday, July 26, 2013

WOW. Thanks buddy!

I asked a colleague of mine if he would write a recommendation for me that I could use on my LinkedIn profile, and this is what he sent back (within minutes, mind you)...

I have had the privilege of working alongside Carrie Griffin for the
last two years at WiserTogether. To say that Carrie is a super-hero
and jack of all trades related to Sales and Client Service would be an
understatement. Carrie has an uncanny ability to gracefully handle
multiple competing priorities at once while remaining level headed and
diligent in completing the tasks at hand. In the entire two years I
have worked with Carrie, she is constantly taking on additional
projects and initiatives to help grow the firm not only from a revenue
standpoint, but from a team development and training stance. I have
leaned heavily on Carrie to understand the new systems, processes,
procedures, etc. all of which are not part of her day-to-day
responsibilities. Carrie takes the time out of her busy schedule to
help those on her team learn and do their jobs more effectively while
proactively coaching and mentoring them under her leadership.

Carrie is always looking for creative and unique ways to not only
serve our clients, but map our firms products and services to clients'
strategic priorities and initiatives. While Carrie is a savvy sales
and service professional, she has a unique marketing flair that she
uses to help drive user engagement. I have seen Carrie pull off
several successful end-user marketing campaigns and personally
developed marketing collateral used at our client open enrollment and
benefits fairs.

Carrie is a loyal, hardworking, dedicated and extremely reliable team
member. Working alongside her and being able to learn from such a
talented sales professional is huge honor. We are lucky to have Carrie
on our team.



Um wow.  This guy needs to be in PR!  What a review!!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

FML


110 tickets and counting...

Song lyrics of the day

Back to you
It always comes around
Back to you

I tried to forget you
I tried to stay away
But it's too late

Over you
I'm never over
Over you
Something about you
It's just the way you move
The way you move me

I'm so good at forgetting
And I quit ever game I play
But forgive me, love
I can't turn and walk away

Back to you
It always comes around
Back to you
I walk with your shadow
I'm sleeping in my bed
With your silhouette

should have smiled in that picture
If it's the last that I'll see of you
It's the least that you
Could not do

Leave the light on
I'll never give up on you
Leave the light on
For me too

Back to me
I know that it comes
Back to me
Doesn't it scare you
Your will is not as strong
As it used to be

-"Back to you"  John Mayer

Song lyrics of the day

What do they make dreams for
When you got them jeans on
What do we need steam for
You the hottest bitch in this place
I feel so lucky
Hey, hey, hey
You wanna hug me
Hey, hey, hey
What rhymes with hug me?
Hey, hey, hey

- "Blurred Lines" Robin Thicke

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Real conversations

I literally just typed this to a friend:

"I like your winkies better.  Don't worry. ;)"

That's so dirty.

Disappointment of the day

Coconut oil doesn't actually smell like coconuts.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Quote of the day

The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated Southern woman.

- Winston Churchill

This song...

...will forever give me goosebumps.  This is, hands down, my favorite song I ever played any band over the 13 years I was actively playing.  Enjoy!


Thought for the day

Success tastes like strawberries.

FUCK YEAH!


EEEEeeeeeee!!!!!!

I just happened to look on Craigslist today to see if anyone was selling a Clavinova electric piano and I found THREE OF THEM for under $500!!!  I'm so excited.  The one I was looking at at the piano store was $3400 brand new.  Oh my goodness, PLEASE let one of these still be available!

Quote of the day

They say if you love something let it go. I’ve really let myself go and now I’m not so sure I like myself.

(Stolen from Rob, who probably stole it from someone else.  Either way, it's totally relevant.)

Real conversations with my Seester


Sunday, July 21, 2013

It's a TouchScreen!

Look at my Seester kicking ass and taking names in this commercial!  My family rocks.  :)


Friday, July 19, 2013

It's been a crazy workout week!

A friend sent this to me today with a note that said "We miss you at yoga!"






















I wrote back with this photo attached and said "I sure as hell miss yoga too.  My ass hurts just to sit on it!"




















Working out... if you're still pretty when it's over, you're doing it wrong.

The latest trend in parenting: the CTFD method

Reposting from the Huffington Post.  I love this!

I know many people want to stay current with the latest parenting trends -- attachment parenting, minimalist parenting, Tiger Mother parenting, et al. Well, I've stumbled upon a new technique that will guarantee your child grows up to be an exemplary student and citizen. It's called CTFD, which stands for "Calm The F*ck Down." And that's not a message to give your kids. It's for you.

Using CTFD assures you that -- whichever way you choose to parent -- your child will be fine (as long as you don't abuse them, of course). To see it in action, here are some sample parenting scenarios and how CTFD can be employed:

Worried your friend's child has mastered the alphabet quicker than your child? Calm the f*ck down.
Scared you're not imparting the wisdom your child will need to survive in school and beyond? Calm the f*ck down.
Concerned that you're not the type of parent you thought you'd be? Calm the f*ck down.
Upset that your child doesn't show interest in certain areas of learning? Calm the f*ck down.
Stressed that your child exhibits behavior in public you find embarrassing? Calm the f*ck down.

Yes, using the CTFD method, you'll find the pressure lifted and realize your child loves you no matter what, even if they've yet to master the alphabet. You'll also learn that whether or not you're the best parent in the world, as long as you love your child, they'll think you are and that's what matters. Plus, CTFD makes you immune to those that prey upon the fears of new parents, like pseudoscientists and parenting authors.

To use CTFD, just follow these simple steps:

Calm the f*ck down.
There is no second step.
So, ignore all those other parenting trends and stick to CTFD. You'll be glad you did and so will your kid.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Yep. He's definitely my kid.


Confession

Anyone that knows me knows that I am NOT a patient person.  Not even a little bit.  And this waiting game is about to kill me!!!  Seriously, let's get this thing going!

Out of the mouths of babes

These children are wise beyond their years.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Song lyrics of the day


Monday, hard to wake up
Fill my coffee cup, I'm out the door
Yeah, the freeway's standing still today
It's gonna make me late, and that's for sure
I'm running out of gas and out of time
Never gonna make it there by nine

There's gotta be something more
Gotta be more than this
I need a little less hard time
I need a little more bliss
I'm gonna take my chances
Taking a chance I might
Find what I'm looking for
There's gotta be something more

Five years and there's no doubt
That I'm burnt out, I've had enough
So now boss man, here's my two weeks
I'll make it short and sweet, so listen up
I could work my life away, but why?
I got things to do before I die

-"Something More"  Sugarland

TRUTH.


This totally works!


YAY!!!!

Brier comes home today!!!  I can't wait to see my baby.


Care to place a bet?


Monday, July 15, 2013

Damn right!


Real conversations


Song lyrics of the day

Now I can't say my name, and tell you where I am
I want to roll myself away, don't know if I can
I wish that I could be in some other time and place
With someone else's soul, someone else's face

Oh, Tuesday just might go my way
It can't get worse than yesterday
Thursdays, Fridays ain't been kind
But somehow I'll survive

Hey, man I'm alive I'm takin' each day and night at a time
Yeah I'm down, but I know I'll get by
Hey hey hey hey, man gotta live my life
I'm gonna pick up all the pieces and what's left of my pride
I'm feelin' like a Monday, but someday I'll be Saturday night


-"Someday I'll be Saturday Night"  Bon Jovi

When you're sad

I stole this from Leah today, who consequently, stole it from someone else.  It was PERFECT for how I feel today.

When you’re sad:
1. Write letters to the people you love. Don’t seal them; don’t send them. Instead, stick them between the pages of library books.

2. Eat raspberries off your fingertips.

3. Venture outside and observe natural life. Watch a honey bee suck the nectar from lavender plants. Watch a snail slowly make its way towards the shade of a tree. Watch a hummingbird innocently fly above your head. Realize how insignificant you are.

4. Smile at strangers; say hello. It will improve their day and your own.

5. Write lists. They can be about anything.

6. Read several pages of the dictionary. Learn new words. Write down the ones you wish to remember.

7. Never feel compelled to apologize when you don’t feel sorry. It’s okay that you’re honest. It’s okay that you have a different opinion from someone else.

8. Read books and watch movies from your childhood. A healthy dose of nostalgia is okay. Immerse yourself in your past innocence.

9. Walk to a park and get on a swing. Go as high as you can; feel limitless. The world is yours.

10. Eat if you’re hungry. Food is not the enemy. You are a human and need food to survive. You deserve to eat. Put those raspberries on your fingers and sprinkle sugar on your tongue. Taste the summer breeze and sweet aroma of jasmine flowers.

11. Don’t marinate in your sadness. You are not a steak. You are a person; you’re irreplaceable. Open yourself up to contentment. Bathe in the rivers of Glee. Go for hikes with Satisfaction. Sleep in a warm cocoon of blankets with Bliss. Let endless happiness overcome your hopeless sadness. You deserve to be happy. If life is a game and you are the referee, be biased for once and let happiness win.

When You’re Sad by thewastedgeneration

Friday, July 12, 2013

Today needs to just end

I had the shittiest work day of my entire 15 year career TODAY.

I realized, among the madness, that this feeling I've had all day today is NOT ok.  Not even a little bit.

Isn't THAT the truth?!












That one's for you, Brian Harris.

Quote of the day


Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
 
Thomas Jefferson

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I love Bob

Song lyrics of the day

Through the storm, we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live with or without you
 

-"With or without you"  U2

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

For the whipper snappers

Almost there

I just registered for my final class in my MBA program, Business Strategy.  WOO HOO!  There's an end in sight!

Oh yes, this is happening

I just completed my registration for my first half marathon.  Granted, it's not until NEXT April, but that should give me PLENTY of time to get ready.  I feel great right about now...


Monday, July 8, 2013

Song lyrics of the day

When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around
Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance was all it took
Now it's much too late for me to take a second look

Oh baby, give me one more chance
(To show you that I love you)
Won't you please let me back in your heart
Oh darlin', I was blind to let you go
(Let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms
(I want you back)
Yes I do now
(I want you back)
Ooh ooh baby
(I want you back)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
(I want you back)
Na na na na

-"I want you back" Jackson 5


(I am JAMMING this morning!)

Imprompu Beach days...

...are my favorite!


And I'm so thankful my children love the beach as much as I do.  We couldn't get Tyler to leave!

Added bonus?  Running into one of my best friends from college.  So happy to see you Nicole!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Bacon is a serious matter

I have come across some funny things while researching marketing things for my MBA.  But THIS has to be the funniest thing yet.  (A real post on the Proctor and Gamble Facebook page after their Bacon Scope prank in April):

Marc Spera:
Well, since you posted the ad well before April 1st, it makes it a lie, not an April Fool. It was deceptive. I'll never buy another Proctor and Gamble product again. You shouldn't mess with people's love of bacon. Bacon is a serious matter.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Challenge accepted


Song lyrics of the day

Workin' 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you crazy
If you let it
9 to 5, yeah
They got you where they want you
There's a better life
And you think about it, don't you
It's a rich man's game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Puttin' money in his wallet

-"9 to 5" Dolly Parton


*I may or may not have sang this one while dancing around my office today.*

I made it halfway through


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a LONG book.  I only made it halfway through before my next class started.  Sigh...  I'm not looking forward to waiting until September to finish it!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Yep.

I am living my own private "Office Space" hell this week.  In light of that...