Monday, November 12, 2012

If You Haven't Figured Out What You're Thankful for This November, I Can Help With That.

        There's a lot of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. Family, friends, pets, our homes, etc. But recently, I've become very, very thankful for something I've previously been taking for granted. TOILET PAPER!! Guys, you have no idea how lucky we are to have those soft little two ply squares of cleanliness. Please look at this brief history of how derriere business occurred in the past:

-The rich might use a soft material, the poor would go in the river and use water, or moss, seashells, basically whatever was around. Wheeeeee!

-In good ol' ancient Rome, a sponge on the end of a stick was kept in a bucket of salt water. So the next time someone says, " Do as the Romans do," You say NO!

-The ancient Greeks used clay or stones. Comfy.

-In the Middle East, even oftentimes today the left hand is used and then  thoroughly washed.

-People who lived in colder areas would use clumps of snow. Cold, and don't eat the yellow snow?

-The Chinese, of course, had it all figured out early on and used paper, which the Middle Easterners did not consider sanitary.

-Fellow Americans, here's our story: Corncobs, and for those who could afford it, pages from the Sears-Roebuck catalogue, or the Farmer's Almanac. In the late 1800's, Joseph Gayetty and the Scott Brothers started selling toilet paper, which apparently had the occasional splinter...

-We didn't get splinter free until 1935.

So the next time you think you don't have anything to be thankful for, be thankful for this. TP. And a splinter free rear. You're welcome.



Sunday, November 11, 2012

It's the Most, Autumny Time.... Of the Year!

           Folks, I do love this season we are currently in. True, my beloved UT football hasn't been worth the pain and the tears to watch, but there's always next year... right?? Anywho, if you've noticed I haven't posted on here in almost a month, it's because I've been caught up in some loverly fall activities!



Getting my first ever acrylic nails in a halloweeny color...

 
 

Going up to the Pinnacle to look at the fantastic fall colors...



Where, apparently, our lives were in danger, though we saw no evidence...

 
 
 
Husband carving the Zelda Tri-Force into a pumpkin.... Don't ask, non-nerdy types...


Playing bat-fingers while waiting on trick-or-treaters at a friend's house... Tee hee hee!



And last but not least...

Hanging with family
Fall field trips with the school kiddies
Drinking much hot chocolate
Watching Walking Dead
Applying for grad school eeeee!

Do you guys have some fave fall activities?

Stay tuned for a post on something I recently became very grateful for! You have no idea...





Monday, October 15, 2012

Take That, Healthy People!

Sooooo today. It's a nice day outside. So naturally, scratch that... unnaturally, I think, "I should go for a run."

One hour later...  ooohhhh internets

two hours later... ooohhhh television

two hours fifteen minutes later... ok I should really find my iPod so I can run

two and a half hours later.... man iPod is out of battery

                                              I should eat a piece of licorice
                                     
                                              find some socks

                                              pin back hair

       consider just driving self to hospital since that is likely where I'll end up after attempting to run...


Crack the door and make sure no one's outside

Start running/jogging/whatever you call this huff puff marathon that is occurring

Only able to run for 4 minutes instead of the intended 15

Make it back to apartment

Hmmm good for me for running! I deserve a piece of licorice...

Shoot. Now I'm right back where I started.

Exercise. It's a vicious, vicious circle.



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Importance of Friends

The other day my friend and I were talking about how the TV show I Love Lucy often reminds us of our own antics. As the daughter of a woman who LOVES Lucy, I grew up watching a lot of the show.

EX: Friend: Hey I heard you were sick yesterday, what did you do while we were all at school?
     
       Me: I watched 34 episodes of I Love Lucy.

       Friend: Awesome!

       Me: Yes, yes it was. Minus the puking.

So I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments from the show:






The giant loaf of bread that just kept coming out of the oven...



Lucy Trying to make Ricky jealous with another man(nequin)...



Lucy and Ethel stealing John Wayne's footprints. Can you blame them?




Lucy, Fred, and Ethel reserve every seat at the Tropicana, quick change, and pretend to be outraged patrons who leave when they "discover" Ricky Ricardo has been replaced.



And of course, when Lucy transforms into the mysterious and nasally Princess of Franistan to generate publicity for Ricky's show...
I Love Lucy - 01x31 The Publicity Agent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The lesson here, is to appreciate your friends who are there for you even when the going gets... crazy! And also, appreciate the husband who still loves you despite the crazy. Even if he is a little reluctant to let you be in his shows down at the club.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

One Lump or Two? Aunt Me-Me's Tea Room Brings a Timeless Tradition to Claiborne County

Dear Readers,

Do you often think that you were born to be royalty? I know I do. Well, here's one thing you can have in common with the Queen of England! We now have a charming tea room right here in Claiborne County! Hooray! Aunt Me-Me's Tea Room is full of personality and is a lot of fun, so only go if you like to enjoy yourself. I went for the first time today, and I'm so glad I did! I was served my own personal pot of Orange Spices and Herb tea, along with a generous slice of.... oh yes, brace yourself... Mt. Reeses Cake! Stop drooling on your computers. It's a fabulous layer cake, consisting of layers of yellow cake and melted peanut butter cups, with crumbled Reeses Cups on top. Just think  about that for a moment. Now pick yourself back up off the floor.

I didn't even realize that my friend and I had been there for three hours, thanks to the lovely environment that surrounds you in the place. The first thing you notice is the art work, done by the owner's right hand tea lady. Another wonderful thing? No TV. Don't panic, the art of conversation comes naturally when one is sipping delicious tea with friends and family. Or the Queen, I'm sure. And you almost feel pampered due to the fact that you get your own tea pot, tea cup, tiny fork and spoon, and... sugar cubes!!!! I cannot express how much I adore sugar cubes. They are just so darn fancy.

If you're worried that this isn't a place to go with small children, think again. Kids were actually one of the main reasons Melissa (AKA Aunt Me-Me) opened the tea room. She has a true heart for people, and wants kids to be able to have a place where wonderful birthday memories can be made, as opposed to just another McDonald's birthday. the Tea Room has a special tea party room, and a large collection of hats for it's little guests to wear! And sometimes, Alice (in Wonderland) will even show up. Or, if your looking to throw a larger function, the tea room provides a space next door. For a very reasonable price, they will even decorate and cater your events, and then, clean up after you! That's the definition of a good party, I do believe. You could do anything from bachelorette parties, to football game parties, to Zumba workouts in there! (There will be a TV in that room.) Very exciting stuff.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is, it's worth it to go to Aunt Me-Me's Tea Room. Even if you have to drive a little ways. Tea, dessert, fun. Now go! Go to the tea!


Information:



3213 Hwy 25E
Tazewell, Tennessee 37879
 
It's very close to the Shell and Marathon stations right when you get into Tazewell.
 
What my pot of tea and large piece of cake cost:
 
Less than $6!!! Whoa baby.
 


Monday, August 20, 2012

How to Purchase Awkward Items at Wal-Mart

We've all been there. You have to buy something at Wal-Mart, but you don't necessarily want people to know. Do you need Activia yogurt, but you don't want people knowing you have the stomach of Jamie Lee Curtis at age 20? Are you buying Beano so you friends and family can stand to be around you? Are all your friends buying InStyle magazine, but you really want to know how to use up all your summer squash so you go for Southern Living instead? Well here are a few tips and tricks for getting out of the store without anyone knowing your secrets... I believe you small town dwellers will find this information especially pertinent!

Step 1: Wear average looking clothes. Shorts, T-shirt, don't stand out. The goal is to blend with the masses.

Step 2: Get a cart. You may only need that one item, but you're gonna need a cart, and here's why...

Step 3: Buy anything else you need first. Especially if these things are bulky and good for covering awkward items.

Step 4: If your other items aren't bulky, I suggest you buy a Wal-Mart shirt. Don't pay over $3 and some change. Also, find one you kinda like, since it'll probably turn out to be super comfy and you'll ask yourself, "Why don't I buy more clothes at Wal-Mart?"

Step 5: Buy one thing just for fun. When you get home and take your Awkward Item out of the bag, you might feel bad about yourself.  But then you take your fun purchase out, and you feel better again!

Step 6: Head to the Awkward Item Aisle. Scope it out for people you know, or people who know anyone else that knows you. Remember, small town.

Step 7: Feign interest in a normal looking item for a couple of minutes, just in case anyone is watching you. You never know.

Step 8: It's time for the ol' casual stroll and grab move. Stroll by casually, grab the item, hide it under your $3 shirt, and move on, all in one swift motion. You can do it!

Step 9: It's time to check out, and by check out I mean Self Check Out*. This way, the cashier isn't like, "Sweetie why are you buying so many Tums? You're so young!"

*If your Wal-Mart doesn't have a Self Check Out, you should probably be writing to your store's manager. Tell them adolescence was embarrassing enough to last a lifetime, and you want and deserve an un-awkward adulthood.

Step 10: Scan your items swiftly and smoothly, like a check-out ninja. Also,  put the awkward item in the middle of the bag and cover it up. The bad thing about self check outs is they often malfunction, and the Wal-Mart lady will have to come help you. Leave no room for error!

Step 11: Walk out that door like you own the place! You're free! You've made it! Now go home, use your Awkward items, and enjoy your awkward life. Everyone else certainly is. :)

Saturday, August 11, 2012

How to Tell if That Couple is Newlywed/On Their Honeymoon

Well, Husband and I are back from a wonderful week of cruise honeymoon! While on this cruise, about a million people said, "You must be on your honeymoon!" I started to wonder how they could tell, then I realized I could tell other couples who were on their honeymoons as well. I think there's a few things that give you away. I'll use W for wife, and H for husband.


On the flight down to the cruise port, you hear conversations like this:

Flight Attendant: In case of emergency, be sure to secure your own oxygen mask before helping others...

W: Yeah honey, you save yourself first!

H: No sweetie, I would save you!

(other passengers: trying not to puke listening to this conversation...)


On the flight back though, they've discovered the fun of thinly veiled insults that would break up a dating couple, but now your significant other is stuck with you! Haha!

Flight Attendant: In case of emergency, your seat cushion turns into a flotation device...

W: That's ok, you'll work as my flotation device baby.

H: I'm just going to drown you.

Did I say thinly veiled?


The couple also can't go anywhere/do anything alone.

H: I'm going to get a glass of water.

W: I'll come with you.


W: I think I'm gonna jump in the pool.

H: I'll come with you.


H: I'm gonna use the restroom.

W: I'll come.... (pauses, thinks) I guess I'll just wait out here then.



They also do a lot of conspiratorial smiling at each other, and complimenting each other on how great those rings look on their hands. And, they think every picture they take will look fantastic, because they're on their honeymoon. Until they get back and have to delete 45 pictures of their thumb, trees, cars, etc.

So the next time you're out and about, you can use these tips to alert yourself to honeymooners, and run away before they kill you with their cuteness.




See? What was I even looking at?? Our feet? A wall?

Ok, Here's one nice one for you :)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Stressed? Why would I be stressed?

Well friends, the wedding rapidly approaches. It's tomorrow! You may be asking, "Don't you have a million things better to do than blog?" Of course I do! But it's helping me de-stress so here you go....

What I am very excited about tomorrow bringing:

-Life with the man of my dreams :)
-New family!!
-Cake
-Being surrounded by friends and family
-Dancing
-More cake

Hope everyone else has as wonderful a day tomorrow as I plan on having!

IN THE NEAR FUTURE, STAY TUNED FOR.....

posts from a married girl!

Ex: Why does he put everything down the garbage disposal????

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

18 days, 18 days, we is getting married in 18 days...

Well, I've just done my daily countdown to wedding, and the number is... 18 days!! I actually have to count on the calendar every day, just in case it changed. It could happen. You know, up until this point I've felt focused and in charge where the wedding is concerned, but as that magical day nears I find myself slipping into some sort of dream world. It's like I'm on the flight between London and Neverland. So friends and family, keep me from walking into oncoming traffic in the next couple weeks please, cause I'm not really paying much attention! I'm just too excited about what's to come to think about last minute details, so basically without my mother and wonderful bridesmaids I would be lost. On another note... What is with all the hate on Obama for eating his ice cream out of a waffle cone with a spoon? I don't care what your policies are, no one should be judged on the way they eat ice cream. So I leave you with this great picture to judge for yourself. :) Happy Tuesday!

 

Monday, July 2, 2012

Cup of Coffee for your thoughts?

Exciting news! We have a lovely new little coffee shop right here in Cumberland Gap! "Cups and Brushes" is the name, and coffee and art is their game. I'm currently sitting here drinking a delightful caramel/hazelnut frappechino like concoction. The shop itself is bright and cheery in the front, with it's butter yellow walls and big windows, but a little darker in the back for those of you who like to come brood over your cup of joe. Since I've been here 3 times in the last 3 days, I've heard two different sources of music; the girl playing guitar in the back, and classic oldies. It's all good to me! Also adding to the charm is the list of fun drink names, including "Scottish Fling, the Railsplitter, and what Fiance and I got yesterday- Southern Belle (mine!), and the Hillbilly (his!). The barristas are friendly, and make good suggestions if you aren't sure what you want. And, for these record breaking hot days you might want to try a milkshake or hand dipped ice cream! Or maybe even a push-pop, one of my favorite childhood ice cream memories. While you sip your latte/frappe/milkshake/whatever you heart desires, you can peruse the walls full of art, which includes adorable painted gourds! I highly reccomend popping down to Cups and Brushes. It's across from the convention center, where Webbs used to be, right here in our very own Cumberland Gap.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

FASHION ALERT!!!!!!

Ladies, I was very excited to see that Charlotte Russe has sunglasses on sale for... Wait for it... $3!!!!!!! I'm totally buying a pair or two! You're welcome. http://www.charlotterusse.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4240806&cp=4241184

Friday, June 29, 2012

Just A Little Celeb Gossip.....

I couldn't help myself, I had to gossip...

Apparently, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are getting a divorce! Very out of the blue. I think I mostly feel sorry for Suri.

In exciting news, however, Reese Witherspoon is pregnant! I love her. And look how cute she looks!

0625_reese-witherspoon-full_ob.jpg

Monday, June 25, 2012

Hey Tennessee- you're OK by me!

 

          So I was just reading a post on one of my favorite blogs, A CUP OF JO. It discussed the pros and cons of staying where you are or moving to raise your kids, and it also provided a link to the 100 best cities in America to raise a family, as well as the worst cities. It made me so sad that Tennessee did not make the list of best cities! We only made the worst cities list, so thanks a lot, Clarksville, for not spending money on your city's education.

A CUP OF JO post: http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/09/motherhood-mondays-where-would-or-do.html

List of cities: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24713234/ns/today-today_101/t/best-places-raise-family/

As lucky as I was to live in California 20 minutes from the beach growing up, I would never trade it back for the wonder that is Tennessee! I love my little rural hometown, I love the people, I love seeing cows when I go for a walk to the park. Here are some other things I think are great about this state, kids or no kids...

I get to see scenery like the above picture ALL THE TIME! The mist that is rolling over the hills and mountains when I wake up? Breathtaking! The farms that have been in families for years, the lakes in the summer, the green, green, green everywhere you look. I've lived here for almost 9 years now, and I still get that feeling you get when you're on vacation and you see something you know you will never be able to forget for the rest of your life, because it is just that beautiful.

The people... everyone is just so darn friendly! In California, you avoid eye contact when you're out in public. Here, you talk to everyone! I remember when we first moved here, I was so confused when random strangers would wave or talk to us. Who were these people?? Oh, they were just friendly Tennesseans! Also, people here know how to get down. Bonfires, fishing, spending the Fourth of July on the lake until the fantastic fireworks begin? I can't get enough of it.

We also lay claim to some exciting history. Did you know that before we were Tennessee, we were the state of Franklin? Franklin was our capitol city before Nashville. Check out some of our other history here: http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/videos

Well, I could go on forever about why I love this great state, but I'll keep it brief:

-Oak Ridge's rich history
-UT football
-wildlife
-mountains
-seasons
-Nashville
-musical heritage
-FOOD (catfish, bbq, grainger county tomatoes, garden fresh veggies, etc.)
-Dollywood
-Smoky Mountains
And so much more.

What do you love about Tennessee? Would you ever leave it to raise a family?

Thursday, June 14, 2012

To the Giants Upstairs

Ahh, on-campus apartment life. So wonderful, until night falls and the apparently nocturnal basketball players on the floor above me start doing whatever it is they do. Here are some of my theories on what those mysterious noises could be due to:

-bouncing basketballs (clearly)

-dropping marbles (less likely, but what else could that little pinging noise be?)

-rearranging the furniture by way of sliding it across the floor (athletes must stay trendy with home   
decor)

-practicing Stop, Drop, and Roll (one never knows when fire safety will come in handy!)

-dancing the minuet (light of foot, boys, light of foot!)

Any other ideas? There's probably a perfectly reasonable explanation, right? Right??

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Things to Remember When Trying to be Healthy

So this summer I'm trying to be nice to myself by being healthier. This means I don't eat as much candy, ice cream, drink soda, etc. I'm actually becoming acquainted with the produce section at Wal-Mart. Who knew there was more to Wal-Mart than cheap clothes and school supplies?!

But the toughest part for me is the "being active" angle. Running. Ick!! So I'm working on walking long distances around campus. Here are some things to remember when walking for exercise...

1. You're walking, Julia. NOT dancing. when you put too many Broadway musical soundtracks and 80's music on your iPod, it's really difficult to refrain from dancing down the road instead of walking down it.

2. Just because the cows are standing near the fence on the walking path, does not mean they want to be petted. Pet? Petted? I don't know. But don't try to touch them. Not because you'll get hurt, but because when you turn around to start walking again, all the old guys down at the driving range are looking at you like you're a crazy person.

3. Cover your eyes when Too-Short-Shorts-Guy runs past you. You can never erase those images.

So if you see the crazy, cow petting, Broadway dancing girl walking down the road, you caught me. Here's to good health.

Monday, June 4, 2012

What It Do, Summer Days

Its summer. My favorite time of each and every year. Also, my last summer before real life since I just graduated college. Also, my last summer as an unmarried lady. As you can imagine, this propels me to do productive, advantageous things with my days. Things like...

8 am- Alarm goes off, so that I can wake up early and make important phone calls. Aaaaaaaaahhh nobody's up before 9... reset alarm for 9.

9 am- OK, Julia! Get up! Stare in the bathroom mirror for like 5 minutes. Wonder, am I ready to talk to other human beings at this time of day? I mean, I stayed up until 2 am last night to organize my Arts and Crafts box.

9:23 am- I'll call Mom first. She won't mind like I sound like Death and I'm talking to her from my very comfy bed that I crawled back into...

"Blah blah blah, plan wedding, blah blah blah, love you too, bye Mom" <3

9:48 am- I'll call Fiance and see if he can get Thursday morning off for apartment searching...

"The person you are trying to reach is not available...." Whaaaaa?! Where you at, Fiance? I needs to talk to you!

9:52 am- Ok, I think I'm ready to talk to real humans...

"Blah blah blah, ok thanks." Wow that was the shortest convo ever! I just spent so much time psyching myself up for that one... I am awesome at this grown up shiz... except I'm still in bed. But it's summer...

9:54 am- Try again to call Fiance and inform him of how great I am at talking to real estate people. No answer... hmm he must actually have to work or something! Take a somber minute to feel sorry for people who can't stay in bed all day...

10 am- Hmmmm. Hungry! What's in the kitchen today? Ohhhh nothing...... except what sister got yesterday and said, "Do not eat my food!" So sister, I did not eat 5 of your dried mango slices and half the carton frozen yogurt. Which tastes suspiciously like ice cream but it's yogurt, so it's pretty much a health food.

2 pm- Hmmm hungry again?? What time is it... OH MY STARS ITS 2:30? WHAT HAVE I DONE WITH MYSELF ALL DAY?????????? Well, time to eat some lunch and get ready for work, which starts at 5pm tonight. It takes a good two hours to look semi-decent and get there on time, even though the dress code says, "Please do your best to look like crap in our ugly, ugly uniforms. And then put an apron on top of it all!!" And, it is a full 7 minute drive away from my apartment. Hence, 2 hours to get beauteous and drive there.

Now- uggghhh so hard to get out of the covers.....

Enjoy your summer guys!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

what am i doing with my life

So tonight my fiance (that's right y'all, fiance!) says, "I'm hanging out with the guys."

What I thought I would do:

Clean my room



do some laundry




Plan our wedding



What I ACTUALLY did:




it happens.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

El boyfriendo

This is my attempt to guess at what might go on in my boyfriend's head when we go to wal-mart together. Just so you know he is the best boyfriend ever.

1. Must not let girlfriend carry heavy things. Her arms are surely made of noodles.

2. Must not let girlfriend put cart in cart return at wal-mart. This is a man's work.

3. Must pay for all items together. Paying separately would just be nonsensical.

4. Must buy all name-brand things. Wal-mart brand is inferior and will probably taste different.

5. Must look at electronics sections every time we go to wal-mart. There are probably things I will buy over there.

6. Must not let girlfriend stand on cart and ride around. This requires me to push her down a random aisle and walk away like I don't know her.

7. Must guide girlfriend through parking lot. She will likely be hit by a car without me doing so. (okay, this one is realistic.)

Going to Walmart with my boyfriend is one of my favorite things to do, ever.




Also- don't forget tonight is the season 2 finale of Downton Abbey! Two glorious hours. Watching this season's premiere of the Walking Dead will just have to wait. Sorry zombies.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Hunger Games

Finally! I finished reading one of the best series I've picked up in awhile, The Hunger Games. I liked it because it contained a story that wasn't afraid to get real, even when it hurt. Also, for those of you who have read it, Gale was my favorite until the very very end. Then I was happy with Peeta. Also, I liked that at the end of the series, it felt like there was closure. Often times I read a series of books I really enjoy, but am left with a feeling of unfinished business or a hurried ending in a desperate attempt to tie up lose ends. The Hunger Games finished very respectfully. Bravo, Susanne Collins.