Time Savers.

I’m a doer. I love to have a plan, execute it, exceed goals, etc. My friends are constantly teasing me that they need my secret to doing it all. So, I thought I’d share it with you…

Multi-tasking. It’s really that simple. When life is busy you have to find a way to do more than one thing at once. So, here are my examples:

- I read while I dry my hair. Can’t do much else then anyway (unless you’re really good at one handed makeup). I usually get a chapter done during this time…keeps me plugging along even on days when I can’t sit down and read.
- I return phone calls while driving. I know this could get me some backlash and people are so anti-cell-phones-and-driving lately but guess what, it works. E-mailing and texting I advise against, but talking on the phone en route? I say do it. I try to return my phone calls every day. This doesn’t always work – but it helps keep me from getting overwhelmed.
- I pack my lunch and read on my lunch break. If reading is a priority to you but your life is crazy, this is a good way to read for 30 minutes to an hour every day. Great habit. Plus it keeps you from going out to eat everyday (better for budget and waistline).
- Lists. One of my friends seems to have to run an errand every.single.day. I find this tedious and wasteful of time and gas. I make lists and I accomplish what I need to in the week either en route to something I have to do, or in one big sweep. Example: my bank is between my house and work so I do all my deposits en route to or from work. My grocery store is on the way home from Bayshore, where I do my weekend workouts, so I hit the grocery (with a list) on my way home.
- I put aside at least one night a week for ‘chores’ and on that night I have a list (with time allotments) of what need to be accomplished. It makes the night kind of a bummer – but I can usually fly through my list and still have time to watch a TV show or play on facebook after. : ]
- I schedule my workouts like I do work meetings – they go on the calendar and they are non-negotiable. If a friend calls and wants to grab coffee during that time, I say I’m busy – because I am. If it’s on the calendar you’re more likely to actually go.
- Gym time is also a good time to read – if you rotate like I do and have days you do either the elliptical, walk, or bike. All of those are good reading activities and it makes the time go faster.
- Another fun workout multi-task option is that it’s a good way to spend time with a close friend. Call them up and see if they want to visit our gym, meet for a walk outside, or go for a swim. Multi-tasking at its finest.
-
So, there you have it. The secrets to life.

Love,
B

The Preface.

Some of you may remember that I announced after my return from vacation that I’ve decided to write a book. This was a big decision for me in the since that I’ve always loved to write but was never encouraged to write abook until after this blog. As a result of the blog, several of my cheerleaders have asked me if I’d ever consider a bigger work, aka a book. After much consideration and talks with my family members, I have determined that yes I am going to write one.

So, this week I wrote my first page. My preface if you will. Though, after rereading it I already know there are a few things I’d like to change. Such is the writing process, right? I wanted to sit and put into words the point and purpose of the book I will write and muscle through who my target audience will be. So, that my friends is done and I look forward to continuing with page two in the near future.

This is an exciting adventure for me that may or may not yield any promising results. There’s something to be said for giving it a shot, knowing that you may or may not succeed. The process itself is somewhat of a success, right?

Love,
B

Diary of a Diet Coke Addict.

Note: this blog entry is dedicated to Auburn Williams and Melissa Manuszak - my support system.

It was bad enough when Dave Ramsey made me kick my shopping addiction but this, this is so much worse than that. I’ve been feeding my caffiene addiction diet coke and chocolate for about 8 years now, and I’m sad to say that trying to get over this may be my worst breakup ever (sorry to all the guys I’ve dated for admitting this). I have, (sob), given up diet coke.

This is day two with no diet coke and probably the only 2 days since I was about 16 that I haven’t had a diet coke. It is in fact going to be the death of me so for all you crazies who are about to congradulate me and tell me I’m greatly reducing my chances of acquiring cancer – I’ve also greatly reduced my WILL TO LIVE! Oh yeah, I’m also cranky and aggitated and I have a migraine the size of Russia to go along with it. Bring on the fabulous.

Your probably wondering after that pitiful little rant, why? So after finding out I have IBS recently, I’ve been doing some research as to how better avoid days of being curled up in the fetal position with stomach pain. Turns out all the things I love, are IBS triggers. Oh yeah, it’s bad news friends. Chocolate? Diet coke? Foods with fat? I mean really, am I going to have to be the next Lindsay Lohan to avoid stomach aches? Ugh. If I gave up everything on the list theres a chance I really would be skinny for the first time ever. Gr.

I’m easing myself into the idea though by (violently) giving up diet coke. Which is life altering in a negative way. But what’s a girl to do? It was that or chocolate to start out with and well, I honestly don’t know which is worse. I’m trying to drink uncaffienated diet bev’s for now – like diet cherry 7-up. It’s not terrible but it’s certainly not the same.

2 days? Has it really only been 2 days? I’m never going to make it.

Rant over and out.

B

Dove Event with Kacy Duke.

They had me at ‘hummer limo’. Thanks to Dove’s summer campaign to help ladies like myself with their visibly smooth deodorant , my coworkers and I were whisked away in a hummer limo and taken to the Tampa Performing Arts Center for a workout with celebrity trainer, Kacy Duke! Of course after receiving the invitation I, being the internet savvy blogger than I am, googled Kacy to figure out exactly who she was. Turns out she’s trained quite a few people we all know and love and I even remembered her from an episode of ‘Run’s House’ – the reality show featuring Run from Run DMC and his family. As I mentioned in a previous entry she’s also been featured in some of my favorite magazines as a fitness expert. You should check her out at www.kacydukefitness.com

Since my coworkers and I have been on a summer mission to get healthy, I thought it only fitting to invite them. The ladies at Dove were sweet enough to allow me to open up in the invitation to all the women (and interns) I work with and a group of 10 of us were able to sneak away for a long lunch and go along for the ride. Kimberly, a former Fam Firster and a dear friend of mine was also able to return for the fun!

For the first time in the history of my company (I believe) a stretch hummer limo pulled into our parking lot and we left on the most exciting lunch break we’ve had yet. We hydrated on water in the limo and excitingly chatted about what we could expect when we arrived at the event – which they’d decided to make private just for our group! We were going to have Kacy all to ourselves and we still weren’t sure exactly what kind of workout we were going to have.

Dove doesn’t do anything without excellence, from their products (which I’ve converted to using almost exclusively) to their events! The Maestro room was beautiful, the goodie bags were delightful, we received a warm greeting from Kate (Kacy’s assistant), and Kacy herself was an absolute treat! She was fun, passionate, high-energy, enthusiastic, and personable. I just can’t say enough wonderful things about her!

She learned our names (impressive) and coached us individually through a great cardio (and leg) workout. It’s hard to explain exactly what the workout was like (although the videos should help) but it was dance-based and certainly worked our entire bodies. We could all feel it by the time we returned to the office. What I love that she said though, is that it’s not about being skinny or having great…assets. It’s about being healthy! That’s something my coworkers and I have each been working on in our own ways this summer and certainly a relatable subject for all women. There’s a big difference in being skinny and being healthy and one is better than the other!

A unique aspect of Kacy’s training that as a busy girl I can appreciate, is that her workout is designed to be done anywhere. You don’t need a gym. You don’t need weights. You don’t need a trainer. You could crank up your music and get a great, total body workout in your own home (or hotel room on the road). For my current life of traveling for work and family as well as having a large handful of weekly tasks when I am in town – what a great option to be able to do a workout anywhere my life takes me.

Can I just say I find it totally presh that her book and program is titled, ‘The Show it Love Workout’ which she explained is about loving the body you already have, even as you push yourself (and said body) to meet some goals. She says in her description on her website, ‘learn to love yourself enough to want to be in your best shape ever’. Who doesn’t need to work on that?

I wish we could have kidnapped Kacy to stay in the Tampa area and train us weekly – she sure is fun! We had a great conversation with her over cucumber water after the workout and she did give us her e-mail address so we can stay in touch. She hopes to come back down here someday and get together and kick our butts all over again. Who knows, after reading her book and doing her workouts she might not be able to kick mine next time around! ; ]

You know that I strive to be open and honest with you all in each and every entry and I would not recommend any product to you all that I don’t personally believe in. Of all the offers I’ve had since blogging to represent companies, Dove is the only one I’ve taken for a reason. They believe in real beauty, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They also produce great products that I myself use.

After trying Dove visibly smooth deodorant I have never gone back to using anything else. I’ve been a supporter of their products for over a year now and they are true to their word! I shave my armpits less, they feel better, and they’re never dry. I’ve also converted my Momma, my sisters, and Aunt Ju to being Dove deodorant girls (probably helps I’ve been able to hook them up with a free stick to try).

So my challenge to you all, darling readers, is to give it a try for yourselves. In fact, I’d love for you to try it and get back to me with your own thoughts. I honestly haven’t found anyone I couldn’t make a believer out of. I personally like the green (nature fresh) stick better than the pink (wild rose) but they both smell great. I’m not as inclined towards florals myself, so if you’re more of a ‘so fresh and so clean’ scent, try the nature stick but if you prefer a ‘prettier’ armpit smell go for the wild rose. Or, like myself, you could just gracefully sniff them both in the aisle of your local Walgreens. No shame in that.

I don't want to leave out to oh-so-fun details of our goodie bags either! We got workout tank tops provided by Lucy Sportswear with the Dove insignia on them (pictured below). Both scents of Dove visibly smooth - one to keep and one to pass on to a friend. And a cute little bag we can take to the gym (or as one girl suggested, bring our lunches to work).

Now before you go feeling left out - I did promise there was a giveaway to come! And better still this is the biggest and BEST giveaway this blog has ever seen! One lucky winner will receive:

- 3 varieties of Dove visibly smooth - including the clinical strength (which I haven't tried so I expect a report).

- A $100 giftcard to get yourself some cute workout gear from Lucy sportswear.

- A copy of Kacy's Show it Love Workout book!

Here's how to win:

- you get one entry for being a follower of this blog and commenting on this entry

- you will get an additional entry if you twitter about this contest (with a link) and leave me a comment to let me know

-you will get an additional entry if you facebook about this contest (with a link) and leave a comment to let me know

- you will get yet another additional entry if you blog about this contest (with a link) and leave a comment to let me know

So you have the chance to enter yourself 4 times. The number will be randomly selected - one week from today. Good luck to all!

A special thank you to the ladies at Dove, Edelman's, and Lucy's Sportswear. It was a joy to interact with each of you and thank you for all you do.

Love,

B

Note: these Dove products were provided for review by Dove.

Music, Movies, and Many Many Books.

We had an incredible time at the Dove event with Kacy Duke yesterday (not to mention the stretch Hummer ride) – I can’t wait to share all the deets with you all soon! I’m working on getting all the pics, video clips, etc together before I make the big post so stay tuned. It will also have a giveaway or possibly 2 coming with it! Be excited, be very excited. I would jump up and down to prove it but my inner thighs are too sore from yesterday’s workout. Kacy kicked my butt. : ] In a good way, of course.

I’m looking forward to winding down this week and getting some relaxing pool time in this weekend. Since I’m actually in Tampa for the rest of July and most of August before I return to my crazy traveling schedule (which is 10 times crazier in the fall than in the spring), I’m trying to get in as much pool side relaxation as possible! My tan is finally in a good place and I’m working my way through my library books while in a lounge chair, drinking sprite zero, and gabbing with friends.

I haven’t shared what I’m reading on in a hot minute so I thought I’d give you my poolside list for the next couple weekends (unless it rains, then it may just be one weekend).

For book club this month I'm sloooowly working my way through the Passage. It's a good book, it's just not as gripping (for me) as some of the other reading material I have my hands on right now.

I'm currently obsessively devouring Jodi Picoult (my favorite author)'s latest book, 'House Rules' which after being 62nd on the waiting list from the library (I boycott Kindle books that cost more that 9.99) - I actually got in a little over a weeks time. Fabulous. I picked it up, Tuesday? I expect it won't even last until the pool on Saturday at the rate I'm going.

Also on the list right now are:

I know I write more about literature than I do about music or movies. But I do have two new music related obsessions lately so I thought I'd share those with you too. Colbie Caillat's I Never Told You song (and I have the video as well) and Shontelle's Impossible. Those are new to my ipod playlist as of last week and I highly recommend both.

In the movie department, I haven't really seen anything new since Eclipse. I'm not a frequent movie goer. I did DVR the Lake House with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves...anyone seen this? I started it but haven't had a chance to finish it and I just can't decide how I feel about it. If you've seen it let me know your thoughts. Maybe the ending will bring it all together for me.

Ok there's my media related update.

Love,

B

The Fam.

So I realized after vacay I never did get around to showing you all my bea-utiful family. I just adore them. : ] We actually didn't take many photos on our trip (though, rest assured Dad did get out the flip camera at all the worst possible times). But one night before dinner I set my camera up on auto timer and did manage to snap one pretty decent pic...

For those of you who don't know us all yet - that's obviously me in the green. Rachel, my older sister is in the purple and her husband, Chris is behind her. Ruthie is the blonde one, she's my little Clemson Tiger. And my fabulous parents - Clyde and Debbie who just celebrated their 30 year anniversary!

So, now ya know the fam.

Love,

B

Do as they Do in Hollywood.

We all know that Hollywood does fit and firm like no other city in the US. So, why not workout like the stars and with THEIR trainer! Thanks to Dove my coworkers and I are headed to workout with Celeb Trainer Kacy Duke tomorrow via a limo! I can't wait to tell you all about it afterwards. Here's a little scoop on Kacy:

Kacy Duke is an international fitness consultant, personal trainer and accomplished author of the book, “The Show It Love Workout,” which celebrates the body through exercise. She has worked with celebrities including Julianne Moore, Mary J. Blige and Gwen Stefani and inspires real women across the country through her trademark Underground Groove events. These high-energy and aerobic workout classes inspire women to enjoy fitness and the total body benefits it brings.

As the co-founder and a consultant of Equinox Fitness Clubs, Kacy’s fitness philosophy, “Show It Love,” revolves around empowering through positive change. She defines fitness and balance on three levels: emotional mindset, spiritual motivation and physical movement. Kacy believes a strong foundation of love and respect for your body inspires the confidence needed to achieve a healthy, happy body.

She has earned national accolades including being named “New York City’s top workout guru” by Allure Magazine and “the best trainer in New York” by New York Magazine. The New York Times placed Kacy on their "Exercise Video's New Hot Bodies" list.

Kacy has appeared on many national television programs including “Today,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Rachael Ray,” “Good Day New York” and MTV’s “Run’s House”. Additionally, her fitness expertise has been featured in Elle, InStyle, People, Shape, Woman’s Day and LA Daily News. The Library Journal named Kacy’s book, “The Show It Love Workout,” one of the Best Consumer Health Books of 2008.

Would wouldn't mind having Gwen Stefani's bod? I also Saw Kacy on the Run's House episode which makes it that much cooler that I will be meeting with her tomorrow. She was also featured in my absolute favorite magazine, In Style (I've been a subscriber for 4 years running now). Who knows maybe I"ll be on her list of celebs she's trained someday (though I'm not sure what exactly I would become famous for). More info to come on the event!

If you have any question you'd like me to ask Kacy on your behalf during my interview with her, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.

Love,
B

All this excitement is being brought to me (and you) by Dove visablysmooth the ONLY protection I use...after trying it and realizing I could actually shave my armpits less often just by switching my deodorant, I was sold! More info on the product is also still to come. But it's not too late to join our session tomorrow, so if you're in the Tampa area and interested check last night's blog for all the details on how.

Don't Mind if I Do.

The last and only time I've ever actually ridden in a limo was for my sister's wedding....so I was more than a little excited when I received an e-mail from my friends at Dove inviting my friends and I to take a limo to their next Tampa event. I decided after further consideration that it would be a fun adventure to share with my coworkers, many of which, like myself, have been trying to be healthier!

Don't worry readers, I wouldn't dare leave you out of the fun! If you live in Tampa, you can come along! Check this e-mail for the deets:

Hollywood fitness expert, Kacy Duke, is partnering with Dove Visibly Smooth deodorant to get Tampa sleeveless ready this summer. We’d like to extend an invitation to join us at an exclusive FREE cardio-dance class held at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

We’d like to provide a complimentary limo to and from the event for you and your friends!!! Simply let us know as soon as possible and we will coordinate all of the details! Also, if you are interested in interviewing Kacy Duke, we can definitely arrange a time for you to do so.

We would also like you to extend the invitation to this event to your readers. Not only are they invited to the event, but we’d like to offer your readers a $100 gift card for lucy activewear and Dove Visibly Smooth product.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 22

Evening Events: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Maestro Room

1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place

Tampa, FL 33602

RSVP TO DVS@EDELMAN.COM

Admission is FREE but you must RSVP to hold your spot. Please specify if you would like to attend the afternoon or evening Underground Groove Event.

Guests will receive an exclusive goody bag containing a Lucy work out tank top and Dove Visibly Smooth deodorant, which minimizes the look and feel of underarm hair over time to help women feel stubble free for longer. It delivers 24-hour odor and wetness protection and alleviates white marks to keep you feeling smooth, dry and confident this summer.

*Event spots will fill up on a “first come, first serve” basis. RSVP to hold your place and show up early to guarantee entry.

If you're in my area and you're free sign up to join us! My coworkers and I will be attending the 12:30-1:30 session and we'd love to have you movin and groovin with us. I will be taking a few breaks to snag photos and video clips for those of you who, sadly, will be unable to attend with us.

Not from Tampa? Aw, sad for you. BUT it doesn't exclude you from the fun! As the e-mail mentions there will be a $100 giftcard giveaway. After I get the details on that from my Dove friends Thursday, I will post and give you all the chance to win.

Stay tuned for more details.

Love,

B

A Piece of What I Shared.

At my office we do a devotional during our Monday morning staff meetings which rotates through the employees being in charge of delivering. This week is my week and I wanted to share with you all just a clip of what I will share. My thoughts today come from the book, 'In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day' a book written about identifying and addressing your fears.

As someone who has never thought of myself as a fearful person, I was challenged by Mark Batterson's take on control freaks feeling the need to be in control as a result of fear. Am I in fact more than just an organization crazy? Could it be that my need to control my surroundings and plans is fear that God will not take care of the intimate details and that perhaps he needs my help? As I addressed some of these questions for myself I was challenged. This Lion Chaser Manifesto was posted on Mark Batterson's blog (www.evotional.com) and I share it with you here:

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

I am challenged friends and I hope that a few of you will be too. Here's to making plans that are doomed to fail without divine intervention.

Your fellow lion chaser,

B

House Work.

Projects, projects, projects! The work just never quite ends, now does it? I’ve been in the mental planning process for a while of deciding which of my list of mini-projects that are swimming in my head I want to take on first. The top three are:

- Home office space! I need a place to land with some of my paperwork, my laptop, writing projects, blogging, and let’s face it – bills! I don’t have a desk of any kind so all of these items have found odd little places to land around my house but it’s time to make them cohesive and accessable. This is to be this weekends project, starting with the purchase of a desk at Ikea. Thanks to my mom’s side of the family I’ve had a little stash of money they gave me for the condo for months now and have been waiting til I decided what to do first to spend it.
- Living room revamp. I have 2 cheap, out of place book shelves I’d like to rid my living room of. But where do put the items that are in need of that space. Also, my TV currently sits on a very cute, but small piece of vintagey furniture that just isn’t doing anything for the room, in that location. So, I’d like to move that to where it could be more useful, and replace it with a larger entertainment center, to better fill the large wall space (a drawback to high ceilings). This may also happen this weekend, if I can stretch the money far enough to deal with both. And if I can stay motivated enough to put together and organize 2 new piece of furniture and as a result, 2 rooms.
- The guest bedroom. Ah, the not-so-dreaded guest bedroom project. My Mom is (hopefully) visiting me for 5 days in August to work on a few little projects at my place. I want to start by painting an accent wall in that room (color scheme is: kelly green, black, and white). Then I need furniture. That’s right, I’m short a whole bedroom suite! I believe we’re going to do the guest bedroom with white furniture to switch it up (my whole house is black and white – my bedroom furniture is black). It also needs lamps, I may install a ceiling fan, some wall art, etc. So Mom and I will begin (and maybe end) that project while she’s around to help (doing all of that along in a day seems a bit too overwelming to me).

For those of you who have seen the condo (or enough pictures), the desk will be a corner desk in the dining room area. That sounds odd, but if you’ve seen the room, it makes sense. It’s a pretty decent size room and only houses a table at the moment and I want to make better use of all the extra space. Plus, in true tackiness, my internet is just laying on the floor in the their, as that’s where the best hook up is. Yeah, we’ve got to fix that asap. I’d like to move the phone (yes, I have a house phone…go ahead and judge me) to the desk area and out of the kitchen, asap. I want to keep my space organized in a way that makes sense. My files are stored in a kitchen cabinet as well. Ack.

So, this weekend (the hours the sun is down) I will be working on projects around the house. I hope to post some pictures and/or videos throughout the process so keep an eye out for those.

Love,
B

Will you be my friend?

How do you welcome new people into your already crazy life? I was pondering this over vacation for two reasons. One, I was recently approached by a darling young lady at church who complimented my ensemble (I was wearing a new grey dress) and then struck up a conversation with me and suggested we be friends. I was delighted that at my age some people are still confident enough to ask simply, do you want to be my friend? No one had done that to me in years. I of course gave her my phone number and told her we should get together sometime.

This is the point where for most of us, it would end. You mean well. Your intentions are good. But friendships take time and energy, two things most 20-somethings have little of. For most of us we already have enough friends to keep our calendars, inboxes, facebooks, and birth-date-books full! So I wondered, am I purposeful in pursuing new relationships?

I determined that as with most aspects of my life I could stand to get out of my own box and reach out to new friendships with more enthusiasm. Instead of letting time pass and maybe running into her again at church with another, ‘we should really get together sometime’ I shot her a text the same week, inviting her out for coffee, which she’d told me when we met that she enjoyed. Sadly, she wasn’t free and when she invited me the following week, I was on vacation. Again, another chance to let the efforts slack off and easily flow back into the normal ebb and flow of my current friendships.

Not this time! I got back last night and already reached out today to try’n get something on the books for this week. After one meeting I could already see that we would be fast friends, and I hate to let a great opportunity for a new one to pass me by. Since she also mentioned loving to layout at the pool and I happen to have a pretty fabulous pool set up, I invited her down for some sun on Saturday.

While I was away I also got an e-mail from a girl I haven’t met yet reaching out to me about the group meeting in my home, expressing interest in striking up some friendships with Christian girls in our area. Another chance to do one of two things, take an us-four-no-more approach to our sweet little group, or reach out and welcome new, wonderful people in to my life (and home). Of course, I’m ecstatic to have her visit this week and I hope that behind her will be more visitors with potential to stay forever!

My thoughts this week are that we have to be purposeful in all our relationships, however new or old they may be. They are what we make them. It is easy to get set in our ways, focused only on those friendships we already have. If we make no effort to put ourselves out there and pursue new relationships, we miss the opportunity to grow and be taught by others.

I am infinitely impressed with the bold initiation of both these charming young ladies, and I look forward to seeing if they will enter the inner-circle of my close friends.

I leave you with this, my Dad asked my sisters and I over vacation – who will your best friends be 30 years from now? Which ones will you still be friends with? Who will you be vacationing with, doing life with, raising kids with? (Ack to the raising kids thing – as previously admitted I don’t want any). But what great, thought-provoking questions. Who are your lasting friends? Who will still be with you 30 years from now (I’ll be 54, gross). I’ve been putting some thought into that this week…if you have any thoughts on yours, keep me posted.

Love,
B

Reality TV.

It was the end of an era for all of us loyal Hills followers. After years of watching the girls drama – they ended the show with a controversial final episode with a ‘hollywood ending’ (aka fake).

I considered quitting the show when Lauren Conrad did, since K Cav has never been my favorite (oh yeah, I go all the way back to the Laguna days with that grudge). After 4 Seasons I couldn’t just stop, so I loyally watched the Hills go down in flames in the absence of my beloved LC and at the claws of K Cav.

I will say this once and then try to get over it…that fake ‘hollywood ending’ was weak and lame.

Here’s what I really wanted to write about though. Have you ever considered if you would allow a television station to video your life? I mean, I know that most if not all of reality TV is staged anyway. I am always curious if someone could convince me with enough money to put my life and reputation out there for all to see and judge.

See, I don’t think MTV will be recruiting me any day soon as I’m really just not their type of girl. The typical MTV viewer would probably fall asleep sometime during the pilot for my show and wake up around the end of my finale of the one season it would actually air. My ‘night life’ is just not MTVesque if you catch my drift.

Let’s say for arguments sake that say, ABC family comes to me and says they want to do a show about 20-somethings in the ‘real world’ and they want me to be in it. So then you have to consider how much of your time would be devoted to redoing things to get a better camera angle or to adjust your facial expression, etc. You’d have to consider that despite what Speidi thinks – there IS such thing as bad publicity. No matter what you will be judged harshly if people know enough about you to recognize your face. That’s life in the spotlight.

The truth is if they offered me a pretty decent amount of money, it would be tempting. But life is hard and complicated, I’m not sure I would wish for anyone to watch me try’n grow up. It’s not a graceful process. I’m nerdy and quirky, in a way that only my closest friends even know about. I’m not sure I’d ever be prepared to expose my day-to-day life to a critical TV audience. But the idea still intrigues me.

What about you?

Love,
B

I don't wanna be your 'baby mama' - a rant.

We haven’t talked about boys in a while. Maybe because I always swear that this blog has nothing to do with such, and therefore I won’t write about them. Then I do. So, I will again tonight. Don’t worry, the names will be excluded to protect the less-than-innocent (in some cases). I believe we’ve established in earlier entries that I’ve been on a bit of a ‘relationship vacation’ for a few years now and am not actively pursuing any sort of dating relationships at the moment. So this entry is not to highlight where my love life is headed – it’s to share with you the bizarre recent occurrences in my life.

Can I just say that I attract the strangest variety of men? No really. I get that I am not your average girl – love of football, nerdy things, and cars included. So as a result I supposed I should expect to attract a few random assortments. That being said, what is with the come-on lines about being their baby momma? No really, not attractive. I’ve heard this term (mostly in a jest) a few times before but in the grocery store or out to dinner with friends is really not the time to spring your baby mama lines on me, gents. The use of that term (in connection to me) literally makes my skin crawl. First off, I don’t want children. If I did, they would not be illegitimate children with men from the grocery store isle. Wouldn’t one assume that guys could find a more appropriate way to express interest? This is however the perfect time to drop the ‘I’m waiting until I’m MARRIED to have SEX’ line. That sometimes does the trick. But honestly, does this work on some women? Because if so, I am scared for them. Clearly these men are getting some kind of positive reaction on occasion or they wouldn’t continue to use it, right? Ack.

I’ve recently been attracting homeless men as well. Not in the sense that they want a few bucks, which I would understand (although I usually just give them food or a fresh water bottle) – but like literally attracting them. In fact, my appeal has grown so much (amongst the homeless) that I actually had to force a man to stop caressing my CAR in a shopping mall parking lot and allow me to leave. What in the world? I do not wish to be anyone’s ‘suga momma’ anymore than I wish to be there ‘baby mama’. Help!

I’ve stopped giving out my phone number. Like at all. There’s nothing worse than having to change someone in your phone book to ‘do not answer – crazy’ to remind yourself not to take their calls. No, not setting myself up for any more of those. When people ask for my number now, I give them one of my e-mail addresses. NOT the one that includes my full name. That way if they turn out to be creepers, you can always just block their e-mail address and be done with it. If they don’t know your full name, they usually (some people are especially internet-stalker-savvy) can’t even find you on facebook. And if they do you can always ignore. This is my safe way to find out if new people are friend-worthy before I give them access to my life in ways that are hard to retract. I’m imparting this knowledge to you all – use it well.

Ok enough boy talk, it gets old fast.

Love,
B

DIY: Office Edition.

So as I plan to put together a little home office space for myself this weekend, I wanted to share some cool ideas I found from googling DIY home office projects...

This one reminds me of something you'd do in New York City, with limited space and the ability to close off your clutter when you have company over...

These projects can be bought from the container store and are literally called 'office in a closet'. There's more examples on the blog I located them at. This project can be found here. Go get it my little new yorksters! I did for a half second consider putting an office in my guest bedroom closet, is that wrong? It really wouldn't be such a bad place for it. Until my company wants to hang their church clothes up.

If you have a big backyard, this project is truely incredible...

This project was found here and I for one find it incredible impressive. I don't actually have a backyard (oh townhome lifestyle) BUT if you had the space, what a neat little escape. This would be especially neat if you were a writer and it would give you a change to 'work from home' without the actual distractions of home.

This next picture is of a project within a home office that a newly wed blogger couple posted up and I found through google, they said it only cost $15 and I thought it was really cute.

Learn more about the idea or check out their 'first year of marriage' blog here.

Here's a neat usage of space that would otherwise be hard to utilize....

More on this DIY project can be found here. I don't know anyone who has a house shaped quite like this, maybe this is an attic? That's a rarity here in Florida.

Mine office space will look nothing like any of these spaces, but I liked all the ideas. Pictures of my own project coming soon!

Love,

B

Home sweet home.

Well lovies, I’m back in the TPA and back on the blog. I hope you all had a wonderful week in your respective towns while I was visiting Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms – two beach front cities in South Carolina. I am happy to report that I return to you tanned, rested, and motivated for the next big steps in life! I’m a believer that you go on vacation to enjoy the successes of the year and prep to hit the rest of the year hard. In that sense (and in others) this was a successful trip.

I report to you now that I have talked to my family about it and officially decided….

To write a book!

I told you in a previous entry that it has always been a bit of a dream of mine to be an author. Now whether or not said book will or won’t be published and read, it’s hard to say. Especially since I haven’t officially decided which of my book ideas I want to move forward with first. However, I believe the process of writing said book will be good for me, stretching me beyond where my writing has been before and learning to express myself effectively. IF the book were to get published and you could all buy in bookstores someday, well that would be delightful now wouldn’t it? You can expect to be kept up to date on the process and no doubt there will be some funny blog entries on nights when I have writers block.

I did not do as much reading as I had hoped to accomplish on this trip, and now must continue to plug away this week. I am so close to being done with Breaking Dawn (book 29!) and after 2 years of leasurely reading the series between other books, will close the Twilight chapter of life. Meyer is not my favorite writer to say the least, but I appreciate adults who can allow their imaginations to run away with them on occasion – I abhor that as we grow up we lose the ability to be lost in our imaginations. For the rare writers who can hold on to that great inner entertainment and channel it into fictional literarure, I have a special place in my heart.

Also on the beach reading list (since Kindle is not allowed near sunscreen and water) I am halfway through ‘The Ivy Chronicles’ a ‘chic-lit’ book that is neither the best or worst of it’s kind. It’s interesting enough that I will finish it but I don’t forsee picking up another book by this author any day soon. I will leave my analysis at that.

After some great conversations with family and friends I do have a few entries swimming in my head…you can expect several more blogs this week as a result.

It is good to be home sweet home. I am fortunate that despite loving vacation and time with my family, I am never sad to return to Tampa. That is a blessing.

Love,

B

Vacay.

Well my bags are packed and I'm headed north! While I may miss you all and the blog for a few days, I'm stoked to be headed to the beach with my family for 6 gloriously relaxing days of sun and fun. I'll be back Sunday night - until then xoxo!

Love,

B

Get Your Armor.

Life is full of unexpected evenings, is it not? For one of few times in my life I recently was faced with a rather eye opening inside look at how the tragedy of addiction takes it's toll. As with many diseases it eats away not only at the mind, heart, and body but at the people closest to them. The family. The friends.

My mind replayed my conversations from that night over and over for days. Trying to make sense of how the world works, and why people suffer. I didn't come to any prolific decisions other than that we live in an imperfect, sin saturated world.

When I was running on the treadmill yesterday Jordan Sparks song, Battlefield came on. I had just hit my stride, a few seconds into a sprint interval and for the first time I looked at the lyrics of that song with fresh eyes. Maybe Jordan's song makes more sense in a different context...

The family. In our families whether the ones we were born into or the ones we chose (our closest friends) we've all had to grab our armor and go to battle. Perhaps like me you have loved someone that continued to hurt you and wished with all your might it was as easy as cutting them lose. But in a world where few values or truths remain unaffected, love is still the most powerful (somewhat) earthly force I know.

Love protects. As sure as we love our families our instincts are to protect them. I am perhaps one of the friendliest people you will ever meet but you cross my family and experience the wrath. You would be hard pressed to find a girl on this earth who cares more passionately than I about my family.

After years of sitting on cold bleachers listening to morons say horrible things about my Dad, I did finally snap and lay into one in Nashville, TN. To be honest, I'm still a bit mortified by my own physical and verbal behavior. But my instinct to protect the most important man in my life runs deep.

Love hopes. Hope is a feeling that a desired outcome may in fact come, when the outcome may or may not warrant it (wikipedia). The ones that we love don't always instill hope in us but our love for them does. Even we tell ourselves not to hope, we do. We cling with all our might to the belief that our love will prevail, somehow.

I leave you will my favorite words in the entire bible (which I have read several times) - Love never fails.

Love,

B

Revisiting Raf.

I first introduced you to my boy Rafael here. He's now out in Colorado at the Unreasonable Institute (where some of you may have helped him get after my last entry). I wanted to pass on the most recent video of what he's up too, mostly because I'm incredibly proud of him. Partly because this it he kind of passion that each of us needs about something in our own lives. If somewhere along the way you've lost the feeling that you can change the world, this might just bring back your faith.

Watch the video here.