City Under Water

One of my all time favorite trips is when George and I went to Italy with Ashley and Watson.  Seriously...the best company, the best food and wine and the most beautiful scenery I've ever laid my eyes on.  The past week Tuscay, Rome and Venice have experienced devastating flooding.  The worst has probably been in Venice for obvious reason, but I included some of the pictures from my trip to give you a point of reference.



Picture from my trip of a restaurant and jazz bar at Piazza San Marco (Venice) 




Picture from my trip of tourists and vendors at Piazza San Marco (Venice) 




Gorgeous canal in Venice (my pic)




Piazza San Marco this week
(picture from Washington Post)




Business owner trying to keep his doors open and the water out
(picture from Washington Post)




Piazza San Marco
(Boston.com)




This is why I love Italy!  Despite the biggest flood in 150 years, they turn devastation into a reason to spend time with friends!
(Boston.com)



It's Really Happening!!!

 After four rounds of interviews in October and four years of wondering when my chance will be, I was asked to come on board with St. Jude.  To say that I am beyond thrilled doesn’t even do it justice.  I love their mission and I am happy that now my full time job can be to help raise money for resources at St. Jude.  Dreaming big here, but hopefully one day we will raise enough money to fund a cure for all the many forms of cancer children face.  Can you believe it?  That’s my full time job!!  It will be a very hard and challenging job, but I hate cancer…so I think I’ll be a perfect fit.

They say not to let a job define who you are.  Well I disagree.  I can only hope St. Jude defines me.

Compassion

I love blogs thanks to my friend Anna!  She really got me reading blogs and so now I have quite a few that I follow.  I saw this idea on a blog that I follow and had to share.  I think this would be an awesome gift to give this Christmas…or anytime of the year!

 

The charity is Compassion.  It is a Christian based organization that focuses on sponsorship for children in poverty.  They raise money to help give children and families clean water, educational supplies, medical equipment, housing and the list goes on.  They sponsor a gift catalog and you can go online to pick out the gifts you would like to purchase to help these families in severe need.  I know my family has been blessed beyond belief and know that a gift like this would fill their hearts more than a stocking full of candy. 

Check it out!

http://www.compassion.com/catalog.htm

It Could Be You

It’s pretty obvious what’s on my mind based on this blog.  It’s kind of funny actually to go back and read through some of the posts and they typically directly correlate to something that’s going on with me or around me in my life.  Tonight I am worried.  Maybe worried isn’t the best word, but a heavy heart no doubt. 

Did you know it was breast cancer awareness month?  You probably would have to be living under a rock if you didn’t, but none the less I hope you’ve thought about it.   A dear friend from childhood received shocking news Friday afternoon.  Earth shattering news at the age of 28.  Twenty-eight.  A wife and a mother of a little one received news she had Stage 3 breast cancer.  Absolutely devastating for her.  However, despite the shock and worry she is facing this head on.  This girl is tenacious, free spirited and hilarious so there is no doubt in my mind she will beat this.  It’s just who she is.  This doesn’t mean that she will not need a lot of prayers and positive aspirations as she takes on this journey.  Just because she is brave doesn’t mean she can do it alone. 

You hear about people getting breast cancer all the time…nearly once a week you hear about a new person who either has breast cancer or has beaten breast cancer.  It’s always So and So’s Mother or that girl you went to high school with or maybe someone else’s friend.  It’s just not usually someone you really know especially when you’re my age.  Maybe that’s changing though, maybe my age is the new norm for breast cancer…it’s scary to think, but you do hear about it.  It’s sickening really how common cancer has become.

I hope you take this month seriously.  I know it kicked me into reality hearing this information.  I find it very brave of her to make the appointment to find out more about something she questioned.  I guess the lesson is if you feel something that doesn’t seem right, take the benefit of the doubt and get it checked.  After all, it could happen to you as it did for this incredible and brave young woman.

Find more info about breast cancer here:

http://ww5.komen.org/

Innocent and Spirited

If you're not reading this story...you should be.  It's tough to read how such an innocent baby could be so uncared for in another country.  Thank God she has found two that loved her before they even held her.  The strength and spirit in Abi is unbelievable and it's almost like she knows why she's on this journey.

http://maemcconnell.blogspot.com/

Have You Heard?

It's no surprise what my three new favorite albums are right now.  Wanted to give you just a taste of what you're missing if you haven't already bought these new records. 

                   Away From the World by Dave Matthews Band

"Mercy"

"Gaucho"

Babel by Mumford & Sons

"I Will Wait"

"Holland Road"

Born & Raised by John Mayer

"Something Like Olivia"

"The Age of Worry"

Lord knows I have to include some country to add to your playlist too!  These two are pretty new releases that are A-MA-ZING!

Gary Allan "Every Storm"

Zac Brown Band "Goodbye in Her Eyes"

Hey St. Jude

I am a super sucker for the Beatles and sappy non-profit videos.  Combine them together and what do you have?! 

ENCOURAGEMENT!!!

Check this out and turn up the volume!
http://www.heystjude.org/

JSB in town!

John Sutton will be playing at Brookhaven Friday night!!!  Amazing band, I've raved about them before, so I won't repeat myself.  If you're in Memphis and looking for something fun to do Friday night you should check them out!  I know I'll be there and taking my parents with me!

Libby Lou

If you know me, then you know one of the loves of my life.  They always say a dog is a man’s best friend, but that doesn’t even say the half of it.  I’m pretty much obsessed.  I say all the time that it’s not fair that she’s so cute because she’s hogging all the cuteness from the other dogs of the world.  This post may only be enjoyed by myself, George and my Mom, but how can I not sure how cute she is?!

Watching Big Brother last night

 

Not even possible to say "no"



Two of her favorite things: a shoe and a toy

You think she's spoiled?

Picking out a treat and a toy...

Chasing water

Yep, I'm pretty much obsessed, but she likes it best that way and so do I!

Laughing Is Like Penicillin

I absolutely love to laugh, who doesn’t?  But seriously I LOVE it.  I wanted to include a couple of really funny you tubes maybe to brighten up your day.  I think I have seen most of these about 20 times each and laugh to the point of tears on a few of these each time!

All time favorite You Tube

Dizzzzzzzzay

Remind me NEVER to get my wisdom teeth out!

Did you honestly think I could post videos and not include some cute Westies?!

Also, if you ever need a BIG laugh in the middle of the work day, or any day really....check out Pinterest Humor.  It will get you every time and never lets you down.

It's Official....I'm a Nerd

You know it’s funny that I like to read now.  I absolutely HATED to read in school and probably because everything that they made us read I was completely uninterested in.  I didn’t read too much when I was in grad school, but now that I’m done…I’ve turned into a major nerd.  If you’re going through a nerd phase and in need of a good book, thought I would post some of the books I read this summer. 

             The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

      Ebody read it a long time ago, but I never jumped on the bandwagon.  I read it before the movie came out and I’m a little disturbed by it, but a fast and exciting read.

      The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

 Part of the Girl With a Dragon Tattoo series.  I actually saw the first movie and was really interested in the story line so read the second book and it was fabulous.  I heard the first book was hard to get into and poorly written, but I really liked the second.  I    have the third and started it too, but it’s a little sleepy.  I’ll get through it eventually.

Guilty Wives by James Patterson

WOW!  Never read anything by James Patterson until this book and it was great!  I think I read it in about 2 days if that tells you anything.  An exciting and surprising read. 

Dreaming Out Loud by Bruce Feiler

 Loved this one…probably one of my favorites from this summer.  This is a book written back in the mid-nineties about the country music industry.  At the time, Wynona and Garth were at the height of their career and on the brink of a downfall.  It talks about the pressures of the old business and how country music was really gaining speed in the music industry.  Lots of references to Franklin and Nashville and some of the real players in the country music business.  Really interesting and highly suggest if you’re a country fan and love Nashville.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

     Good book and has a great message.  It is very poetic and her one thought takes about 7 pages for her to spit it out, but a good book and an uplifting message.

       The Way We Were by Paul Burrell

 This book was written by Paul Burrell who was Princess Diana’s butler.  He wrote one before this and I think he got a lot of bad press about it.  Who knows if everything in this book is true and probably not, but very interesting about the last few years of her life. 

      Kris Jenner and All Things Kardashian by Kris Jenner

Yep, I read it.  She’s not a good writer, but let’s be honest…I didn’t buy this book because it was on the NY Times Best Seller list.  Interesting book.  The beginning is full of grammar errors and a lot of hopping around various subjects.  However, she discusses the OJ Simpson trial a great deal and that is what I found to be most interesting about this book.   

     

      The Beach House by James Patterson

       Quick read once again, his books are murder mystery fantastic exciting reads!

So I think that’s it.  I found this great used bookstore in Memphis (don’t even want to say the name because I don’t want you to raid it and take all the good stuff) and so I read whatever everyone else has already read.  Ok ok, its called BookTrader’s on Quince.  I buy all hardbacks and most are 3.95 or 6.96.  The best find ever!!  I love going in there and my goal is always to come out with an armful of books…and it hasn’t let me down yet.  

Straight Hair Minus the Heat

Have I mentioned I did this?

 Brazilian Blowout

This treatment is AAAAmazing!  My hair is seriously hard to deal with and especially in the summer.  Three weeks before I did this treatment, my hair was in a pony tail every day because the humidity had it out of control and not to mention it felt like straw.  I really struggled committing to one of these treatments for several reasons:

1.        I’ve heard a lot of scary accusations about the chemicals involved.  The rumor that it contains formaldehyde is not 100% true.  However, it does contain chemicals that if heated to a certain temperature, they can convert to formaldehyde.  There was a big stink (no pun intended) that came out about it and wanted to pull it off the market, but the company was able to prove that the amount of chemicals in the straightening product was miniscule.  They also provide that if used in a well-ventilated area, they would not be harmful.  Let’s be honest here though…did you really think a semi-permanent straightening treatment wasn’t going to have some chemicals in it?  When you get to the point that I was at…YOU DON’T CARE!

2.       It’s expensive…period.  The price depends on how long it actually takes on your hair.  Obviously if you have longer hair it will cost a bit more. 

3.       The Brazilian Blowout is product specific.  You cannot wash your hair with any products containing sulfate or sodium chloride.  Supposedly these are cleansing chemicals that most shampoos contain to give you all those suds.  However, if you have dry or damaged hair, they can add fuel to the fire.  A lot of companies have tried saying sulfate-free products are better for you and more organic.  Supposedly sulfate gives you cancer, but what doesn’t?  Sulfate-free products are pretty easy to find.  Right now I am just using the BB products, but found some sulfate-free products at Sally’s that were very inexpensive. 

With all that being said, my friend Lauren convinced me that her roommate had done it and had awesome results.  I hopped on You Tube to see the live action and couldn’t believe how it could work so well…even after a couple of months.  So I did it and check it out!

Dried Naturally

Straightened with low heat and just a few passes with an iron...crazy!!!!

Powerful Day

I admit.  I can be a bit self-centered at times.  I grew up an only child and not that it's an excuse, it’s just the name of the game.  So, I have a bit of a self-centered wish.  I witnessed one of the most amazing experiences today and I pray that it isn’t the last time I visit.  Living in Memphis certainly has its disadvantages.  The lack of nature and scenery, segregation and crime (have I mentioned there was a double homicide two blocks over in my neighborhood last week?).  Among all the bad there are some very special aspects of Memphis that I would put up against Time’s Square, the Washington Monument or the Grand Canyon any day. One of which I visited today. 

St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  It literally brings tears to my eyes to try and articulate some of the images I saw today.  My team at work went and took a two hour tour (which I demand anyone do that lives near Memphis) today.  Obviously I couldn’t take pictures to post on this blog, but I can tell you what I experienced.  Among many memorable images: multiple waiting rooms filled with patients under 18, barf bag holders, funny sayings everywhere, inspiring artwork covering the long hallways, a baby sister carrying her big sister on her back because she was too weak to walk, unimaginable hope and courage, parents pulling their toddlers in wagons with masks covering their tiny faces and a mother carrying her 10 year old like a baby after an intense round of chemo because he was too sick to walk. 

I found myself at that back of my group almost all morning.  Almost too much for me to take in.  I don’t remember everything our sweet tour guide unveiled to us because I was so busy watching all of the magic.  It’s incredible.  Living in Memphis you hear so much about St. Jude…everywhere you go they ask you to donate money to St. Jude…and you do because you’re a Memphian.  But until today I didn’t really know why it was so important for me to add on that extra dollar to my Fresh Market bill or even more importantly, give my time at Make-A-Wish to honor these sweet individuals. 

My self-centered wish is obviously to take a trip to this incredible hospital and give your money, time or talents to this sacred place.  Or, just find something that is important to you or that makes your spirit tick and donate your time or money to it.  Then go visit and see where your hard earned dollars go or what your time means to that organization.  I promise you this…it’s better than any vacation you will ever take, more encouraging that buying a house or a car and it makes going to work every day that much easier.  We’ve got it made….so be thankful.

Want to visit?

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=181febc7a7319210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD

Help Seth Wood!!

I posted a couple of month's ago about an amazing guy's music, Seth Wood.  He is working on funding the beginning of his new album (EP) and has created a crafty way to do so!!  Check him out:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1891225709/help-seth-make-his-new-ep

Not only is this clever, this is much needed to be able to create his incredible music.  I don't know about you, but I love me some Seth Wood and need you to donate for my listening pleasure.  Thank you.

Here is a link to some of his music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/abraham/id306891655

Little Treasure

Discovered something today via some friends that’s going to rock your world…not sure you’re prepared for this:

http://www.vestique.com/

They have the cutest little dresses and jewelry that WON'T break the bank!  PS: I see a lot of UT-game ready accessories that I just don’t know if I can live without!  You’re welcome and happy shopping!

 

6 Years Old

I know that I haven’t posted in a while…and really have no excuse since I’m not in school anymore!!  And I know some of those that read this do not live in Memphis, but regardless of where you live…you should read this and send them some prayers…they’re going to need it.

http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/

This is why I volunteer with Make A Wish...this is not a wish I am working on, but just an example of how precious life really is and why organizations such as MAW need you...

True Friendship

Let me first begin with telling you I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for...really anyone could ask for.  Even though I live hundreds of miles away from most of you, you continue to amaze me with our friendships.  So, this post is by no means  to discount our friendship.  I cherish each and every one of you more than you know.

As some of you know, a dear friend of mine, Ashley had her little baby last Thursday.  There are no words to describe our friendship.  Ashley probably knows more about me and my annoying tendencies or what I'm going to say before I do!  She and I were two peas-in-a-pod and can't really think of another person I would love to be more like.  She was the planner, I was more spur of the moment.  She was more cautious (probably to keep us out of trouble) I was an instigator.  She was my rock through just about every challenging aspect of my life.  It's crazy to think that she is now a mother, but I can't imagine anyone that will be any better.

I thought today about some of girlfriends that have had babies this year and it made me realize something extremely special.  Fultz's Emersyn turned 1 year ago yesterday.  My friend from elementary school, Lindsay had her baby boy in November.  Savannah had her little girl a few days after Valentine's.  And now Ashley has her little one.  It's amazing that I'm just now realizing this, but I've realized such an incredible thing about friendship this year and really just this week.  I realized this week after Riggs made his precious debut that I am literally so in love with someone that I don't even know.  I'm dying for pictures posted or for updates from Mom and Dad on how they're adjusting.  It's honestly a love that you can't really explain and I'm not even the one with the baby!!  I already love their baby almost as much as them.  I've discovered that, that's what true friendship is.  You don't have to talk to that person every day or see them every weekend or even every Christmas.  True friendship is measured by loving something about them that you don't even know or know how to explain.  I have been lucky enough to experience that 4 times this year.

I cannot wait to meet Riggs and my blessing for him is that he finds precious friends like Ashley and Watson.  I pray that he gets to experience the joy and friendship like his Mom and Dad have shared with George and myself for years and years.  xoxoxoxo

Bridal shower before Ashley's wedding '06

Graduated college together May 2006

We were in each other's weddings and our husbands were also in each other's weddings!
My wedding 2007

Countless Game Days together

Traveled the world together-Italy 2010

I cannot wait to add a plus one to our crew of 4...I have a feeling little Riggs is going to be a fabulous addition!

xoxoxo

Yea, Mon!

Last Friday morning at 6:00 A.M. (yes that means we got up at 3:30 A.M.) we actually caught our Delta flight without any problems to Jamaica for some fun in the sun with old friends.  

One of George's friends, Chad 

got married to his sweetheart on Monday. Chad was also a part of our wedding and a dear friend, so it was obvious that we were going to Jamaica to witness the nuptials.  

We had such a fabulous time...all you need to know is there was sunshine, a beach, good friends and a swim up bar.  Yep, my week was perfect!!

Our "Ocean View" room...hmm....

The wedding site

Matt's ready!!


The trouble makers

Kendra and Chad



Chad, Matt, Justin, George and Chris

Chad and George at our wedding in '07

We had some not-so great entertainment and some fabulous entertainment.  Check out these guys and their mad talent on the steel drums sporting some Michael Jackson!!!  I was seriously fascinated by them!  The sound quality isn't great, but you will get the idea.
 

*Disclaimer....I do not know the lady in the blue, but she is hilarious*

Such a great time and I hope to get back somewhere warm soon with the hubby!!

6 Happies for a Monday

So I have a top 6 going on in my life right now and want to share!

1.       The Civil Wars “Barton Hollow” -best $8 I’ve spent in a looooong time. Simply amazing.  You can buy it here

Find Them Here!

2.      Blueberry Martinis from Alchemy Restaurant in Midtown-Suuuper yummy, you will thank me later!

3.       Girlscout Cookies… I’ve already eaten 3 boxes of Tagalongs and 1 box of Samoas.

4.      JCrew Spring Tees-I have bought like 5 different ones and they are on sale!  Perfect for this time of year

5.      All my pregnant friends and their new babies!  Got to meet Savannah’s new edition, Elsie this weekend and celebrate Beth’s up and coming hunk, Bo!

6.      GCB on abc-it stands for Good Christian Bitches and there is nothing Christian about it, but it’s hilarious!!

Here are 6 happies for a Monday!

MBA...Almost check...Yep You Heard Me Right!

I cannot even believe I am about to start my last class in my MBA.  I sure know why they save this one for last because it's going to be a doozie!  However, I am so grateful that I work for a company that values continuing education and will pay for it!!  THANK YOU FEDEX!  My background is in education and had a really hard time finding a job outside of teaching that would put it to use, so I went into sales right out of college.  I liked it and was good at it so took another sales job at FedEx.  Knowing nothing about business other than what my friends did and talked about in college, it was imperative that I get a masters in business.  Me, Katherine...a masters in business.  Sounds like an oxymoron, but I couldn't be more proud of myself to bite off something this challenging for me and accomplish it.  Well, ask me again in May if I accomplished it...surely to goodness I will though!

Seth Wood

I have been slacking on writing a bit lately, but this post is sure to make your ears happy.  I have a friend that I went to middle and high school with who has stolen my heart and my ears lately.  I recently noticed an interesting post on his Facebook that grabbed my attention.  I always knew he was into music and talented.  In high school Seth would walk around with a guitar…all the time…at least once a week.  He would make up a song about you as he greeted you in the hallway or just try to cheer you up by playing a few quick notes.  So, seeing this post about his music career, didn’t surprise me.  I wandered onto ITunes and sure enough…..Seth Wood “Abraham.”  I of course downloaded it after I previewed only a couple of songs because I knew it was going to be good. 

Couple months later, I am still listening to his tracks.  I hate to see that it was produced in 2009...two plus years I’ve been missing out!  I noticed on ITunes it recommended some artists you might know if you liked Seth’s music such as The Civil Wars, Mumford and Sons….all things fabulous is what it should have said.  I dare you to download the whole album…after all he is an aspiring artist so you better not copy it…and listen to “Amy.”  If you don’t fall in love with that song tonight, then I give up.  So there, my gift to you on a Wednesday night.  

Link to ITunes to purchase:   http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/abraham/id306891655

Music = My Obsession

 It is no surprise that I am obsessed with music.  I live to talk about it.  I love talking about artists, music lyrics, the meaning of albums and all that weird stuff.  Some of my earliest memories are wrapped around music and how it had such an influence on my life.  My first memory of music was a tape by the Miami Sound Machine, “Primitive Love.”  God what a great album!  My favorite tune was first the “Uh Oh” song or formally called, “Falling In Love” (Uh-Oh). My parents hated that I loved that tape because I would sing “Uh oh Uh oh” all the time.  They always thought I had tipped my juice cup over on the carpet or slammed my finger in something.   I’m pretty sure I was about 3 years old when I fell in love with Gloria Estefan.   the "Uh-Oh" song for all of you who haven't a clue! The next album that I played on repeat was Dolly Parton’s 1982 Greatest Hits.  Let me tell you…that title doesn’t even tell you the half of how great those songs were!   “Here You Come Again” is a song that I still catch myself still singing. Dolly  Then the big one came.  I’m trying to remember the first time I heard her and honestly I can’t tell you.  The album says 1987 and it couldn’t have been too long after the album was released that I became seriously infatuated with….the one...the only….if you know me then you know….DEBBIE GIBSON.  I have absolutely no shame that I sang Debbie Gibson songs at the end of my driveway for years.  I have no embarrassment that I had the hat, tights/skirt, denim jacket and sang “Lost in Your Eyes” at a pre-school talent show.  I am absolutely not scared to tell you that I have every album by her in addition to the official “Out of the Blue” VHS.  I can also tell you that I have mastered a Debbie Gibson dance move.  I love the girl and still get butterflies in my stomach when I hear her. I'll give you my all time favorite Debbie Gibson song...Foolish Beat

After all the obsessions with those ladies, I also have a craving for 60s and 70s rock that grows stronger every year that I get older. (PS Happy birthday Janis Joplin today...she would have been 69). When I was growing up my parents always listened to music.  Little did I know at the time, that they were creating a monster in me and embedding this love for music into my soul.  For years and years we would go up to our rec room and listen to albums.  One of my favorites that I could always convince my Dad to crank up was Derrick and the Dominoes', “Layla.”  The real version, not the Eric Clapton unplugged…I mean electric guitar, drums and the whole crew of Derrick and the Dominoes.  (I know we differ on this Taryn!)  I said for probably 10 years, my first born daughter would be named Layla.  Those were some good Friday nights. ~Layla~

With all of that being said, I feel like I know good music.  I probably lost a few voters with the Miami Sound Machine and Debbie Gibson, but in all seriousness, I know it when I hear it.  My original thought for this blog would be to write about Memphis, but honestly that hasn’t panned out too well.  However, I have a Memphis post!  There is a band coming Saturday night to Brookhaven that you have to check out.  They are a personal favorite.  One of my friends asked me today how I know them.  After I thought about it, we go way back.  I followed this band around since I was 16.  Yep, 16.  I used to have to drive my friends Ashley and Lindsay to see them because they couldn’t even drive yet.  We would all meet up at Wings to Go in Franklin to listen to the John Sutton Band.  Wings to Go was a tiny place with only a few tables, but we would cram in there.  MD, Kyle, Dave, Zane,  Jenny, Ashley and myself were regulars.  We LOVED JSB.  Not only does JSB bring back such great memories to me, but John is an incredible musician.  I highly recommend checking them out at Brookhaven Saturday.  They come to Memphis a couple of times a month, so if you like him (which you will if you like Dave Mathews, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, or JSB originals), then you can start coming to all the Memphis shows with me!  PS: if you live near Franklin they play at Buganut Pig a lot.  I have included some links for them so you can check them out!

http://www.johnsuttonband.com/

Here's a little tune to help get ya ready!  So Fine

(Just for old times sake!)

The Shivley's

My dear sweet Anna Banana got married this weekend.  We had the most amazing time in Union City.  Marcy and Anna make such fun of the big UC, but I’ll tell ya…every time I’ve been…I’ve had a blast.  Anna was a beautiful bride, if that surprises anyone.  I mean seriously, could she be any prettier?  I am so excited for her and Trell.  Poor Trell and the fact that it took them 8 years to get engaged was the joke of the weekend. They are perfect for one another.  They know everything about one another…probably more than Anna or Trell would like to know!  It was so great getting to spend the weekend with their sweet families and all my friends!  WINNING!!  Congratulations to Anna and Trell!!

Probably my favorite dress!

Everything was so wintry...gorgeous!

My lovies