At 5:30 yesterday afternoon, I left my office and walked across the street to the mail drop box. There was a man on the street corner clapping his hands and singing at the top of his lungs. I couldn't help but smile. I don't remember the song he was singing, but as soon as I crossed the street and came right up to him, he started singing an old hymn. He had the biggest smile on his face.
The man was dressed nicely. He didn't appear to be homeless. But his name badge had something like "Homeless Outreach" on it. I wasn't close enough to read his name. I dropped off my mail and kept walking. As I crossed the street again, I started to notice other people's reactions. Some were obviously annoyed. Some smiled like I did. Others laughed at him. I overheard a man say, "Oh, my buddy's still here."
The normal sounds of downtown quickly drowned the voice of the sweet man. As I got in my car, I couldn't help but drive by the corner where he was singing just to make sure he was still there. Traffic on Broadway was slow at that time of night. It was warm outside, but I decided to roll down my windows and listen to the sounds of my beloved city. There was a Predators game, so people were every where. I watched on as tourists stepped into the road to take pictures of the "Batman" building. As I passed all of the restaurants, bars, and honky tonks, I could hear each house band warming up their crowds. Part of me thought about finding a parking spot and joining the party.
I saw about 10 guys standing on the sidewalk or sitting on doorsteps playing their guitars. It seems like they all want to be discovered. Or maybe they just want someone to listen. Could it be that they just love to play and they would do it if no one was there at all? Regardless of the reason, it wouldn't be Music City without them!
Nashville is a beautiful place!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
A Whirlwind of a Weekend
This weekend was fast and furious! Friday night I had dinner with my old boss...just to catch up on Haiti, the ministry and other stuff. It was good to see him and I'm glad things were not awkward. I was a little bit worried about that. I went home after and went to bed pretty early.
I got up Saturday morning and met Kendra and Linkon at McDonald's for lunch. Linkon played on the playplace while K and I caught up on life. I looking forward to moving back to Smyrna so I can spend more time with them. I love the Parker family so much and I'm definitely going to have to be around more when little Eli is born in May! :)
After lunch I went over to my mom and dad's. No one was home, so I called and they were at an appliance store picking up a new fridge. Their's went out. So after that whole ordeal, Dad and I start looking at my car to see if we could fix the A/C. It turned out to be a somewhat expensive part and it would take a good bit of work to get it fixed. I had been looking to get a new car in the next couple of weeks, so dad and I decided that we'd go up to Nashville and take a test drive.
Long story short, I now own a 2007 Hyundai Sonata!! 8-D Big Cheesy grin on my face!! It's the first time I've bought a new new car. It had 15 miles on it when I did my test drive. It turned out that I had built some good credit, so I didn't have to get a co-signer. (made me feel good) So...she's beautiful. The car that is. White powder pearl, I think I'll name her "pearl" or "minnie" can't decide yet. So in actuality, it's a white car with sparklely paint. Leather interior, sunroof, 6 disc changer, with a huge sound system, etc. etc. Pretty much loaded. Dad and I figured...why not...it'll up the resale value!!
So...Saturday ended on a high note! :)
Sunday...was a LONG LONG LONG DAY!
Kirk and I left my apartment around 9:30 am to go to East TN. I drove, of course, because you can't buy a car one day and then sit all day the next in someone else's car. It's like getting married and then going on the honeymoon with another person! (ok...bad analogy, but that's all I got). As we drove, we kept saying to each other, "I can't believe I'm driving 5 hours for this." The purpose of our trip was to be part of a surprise party for Crystal & Brandon. I'll have to write about their story later. It's beautiful. But to make all this make sense, I have to tell you that they got engaged this weekend. He took her on a surprise trip to NYC and then they came back to Charlotte. Then drove 3 hours to the Johnson City, where we were all going to be to surprise her at an engagement party. So, of course, Brandon asked Kirk and I to come and of course we said yes. But we were stupid and left Sunday morning to go and come back Sunday night.
As we passed through Knoxville, we stopped and ate at a Cracker Barrel. We walked in and were greeted by lots of people wearing Bristol Motor Speedway shirts. As we sat down Kirk and I put two and two together. We asked our lovely waitress Christina to confirm and we were right. The Bristol Motor speedway (whose race sells out years in advance) was host to that afternoon's race. AHHHH!! We thought...maybe it's a night race?? NOPE! It's scheduled to end just around 6 pm. Kirk and I had planned to leave around 7, because Crystal and Brandon were going to be at the party around 5:30. (enter in a black cloud and a bad attitude for Mel!!)
And if you think about it....Bristol is Brandon and Crystal's names together. Hmm....isn't that cute. Thorn in my side if you ask me!!!
So...we were able to stay and hug and kiss our friends. We congratulated them and then we hit the road. The ride home seemed longer, but we actually made better time. It's easier to speed, when you're ready to be home. Luckily, we only hit a little bit of traffic before Knoxville. The 160,000 racefans were just starting to get on the road, so we beat most of them.
I got home at 10:30 and was asleep before midnight. So I'm a little tired today, but not as bad as I thought I would be. I was really glad I got to see Crystal. She was glowing. I heard some of the story of what they did over the weekend, but I'll have to get details later. She did call me on Friday after he proposed and asked me to be her maid of honor. YEAH!! :)
So....needless to say...I'll be in the bed early tonight!
I got up Saturday morning and met Kendra and Linkon at McDonald's for lunch. Linkon played on the playplace while K and I caught up on life. I looking forward to moving back to Smyrna so I can spend more time with them. I love the Parker family so much and I'm definitely going to have to be around more when little Eli is born in May! :)
After lunch I went over to my mom and dad's. No one was home, so I called and they were at an appliance store picking up a new fridge. Their's went out. So after that whole ordeal, Dad and I start looking at my car to see if we could fix the A/C. It turned out to be a somewhat expensive part and it would take a good bit of work to get it fixed. I had been looking to get a new car in the next couple of weeks, so dad and I decided that we'd go up to Nashville and take a test drive.
Long story short, I now own a 2007 Hyundai Sonata!! 8-D Big Cheesy grin on my face!! It's the first time I've bought a new new car. It had 15 miles on it when I did my test drive. It turned out that I had built some good credit, so I didn't have to get a co-signer. (made me feel good) So...she's beautiful. The car that is. White powder pearl, I think I'll name her "pearl" or "minnie" can't decide yet. So in actuality, it's a white car with sparklely paint. Leather interior, sunroof, 6 disc changer, with a huge sound system, etc. etc. Pretty much loaded. Dad and I figured...why not...it'll up the resale value!!
So...Saturday ended on a high note! :)
Sunday...was a LONG LONG LONG DAY!
Kirk and I left my apartment around 9:30 am to go to East TN. I drove, of course, because you can't buy a car one day and then sit all day the next in someone else's car. It's like getting married and then going on the honeymoon with another person! (ok...bad analogy, but that's all I got). As we drove, we kept saying to each other, "I can't believe I'm driving 5 hours for this." The purpose of our trip was to be part of a surprise party for Crystal & Brandon. I'll have to write about their story later. It's beautiful. But to make all this make sense, I have to tell you that they got engaged this weekend. He took her on a surprise trip to NYC and then they came back to Charlotte. Then drove 3 hours to the Johnson City, where we were all going to be to surprise her at an engagement party. So, of course, Brandon asked Kirk and I to come and of course we said yes. But we were stupid and left Sunday morning to go and come back Sunday night.
As we passed through Knoxville, we stopped and ate at a Cracker Barrel. We walked in and were greeted by lots of people wearing Bristol Motor Speedway shirts. As we sat down Kirk and I put two and two together. We asked our lovely waitress Christina to confirm and we were right. The Bristol Motor speedway (whose race sells out years in advance) was host to that afternoon's race. AHHHH!! We thought...maybe it's a night race?? NOPE! It's scheduled to end just around 6 pm. Kirk and I had planned to leave around 7, because Crystal and Brandon were going to be at the party around 5:30. (enter in a black cloud and a bad attitude for Mel!!)
And if you think about it....Bristol is Brandon and Crystal's names together. Hmm....isn't that cute. Thorn in my side if you ask me!!!
So...we were able to stay and hug and kiss our friends. We congratulated them and then we hit the road. The ride home seemed longer, but we actually made better time. It's easier to speed, when you're ready to be home. Luckily, we only hit a little bit of traffic before Knoxville. The 160,000 racefans were just starting to get on the road, so we beat most of them.
I got home at 10:30 and was asleep before midnight. So I'm a little tired today, but not as bad as I thought I would be. I was really glad I got to see Crystal. She was glowing. I heard some of the story of what they did over the weekend, but I'll have to get details later. She did call me on Friday after he proposed and asked me to be her maid of honor. YEAH!! :)
So....needless to say...I'll be in the bed early tonight!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Champagne and Chocolate Covered Strawberries
...at 2:30 in the afternoon!!!! Yup. My boss keep pouring...so two glasses and about 4 strawberries covered in dark chocolate. And yes; my cheeks are pink. I obviously don't do this often.
Today is a good day.
I've been having a lot of good days at work lately.
Today is a good day.
I've been having a lot of good days at work lately.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
It's nice to overhear someone say something nice about you
I'm starting to realize that more and more I need encouragement from people. For my mental well being, I need to know that I'm needed or that I'm doing a good job. I am definitely my own worse critic and I can really beat myself up sometimes. Then there are days where I actually approve of myself.
Today is one of those days...
We had a company wide meeting this morning. Just a quick 15 minute meeting where my boss announced that he was hiring a new girl to come in as Director of Communications. I'm looking forward to having another woman in the office. This makes 3 out of 18. I'm surrounded by boys!!! AHHH!!! :) So in making the announcement, my boss just shared a couple of goals that he has for the new hire. He said he hopes that the decision to bring her on will be a good one and that she'll grow into the position. He then pointed out that he hopes she'll come in and do a "bang up" job, just as Melanie has done over the last couple of months.
WHAT!?!? WOW! As he said that, several of my co-workers shot big grins my way. Over the pasts couple of weeks, I thought I was doing an OK job and that the people in my office liked me and like what I brought to the team. And then for him to say that this morning...it's been a long time since I've been confirmed in such a way. So today, I feel good about myself...and I approve.
It's nice to overhear someone saying something nice about you; but it's even better when it's announced to your face! :)
Happy Tuesday!
Today is one of those days...
We had a company wide meeting this morning. Just a quick 15 minute meeting where my boss announced that he was hiring a new girl to come in as Director of Communications. I'm looking forward to having another woman in the office. This makes 3 out of 18. I'm surrounded by boys!!! AHHH!!! :) So in making the announcement, my boss just shared a couple of goals that he has for the new hire. He said he hopes that the decision to bring her on will be a good one and that she'll grow into the position. He then pointed out that he hopes she'll come in and do a "bang up" job, just as Melanie has done over the last couple of months.
WHAT!?!? WOW! As he said that, several of my co-workers shot big grins my way. Over the pasts couple of weeks, I thought I was doing an OK job and that the people in my office liked me and like what I brought to the team. And then for him to say that this morning...it's been a long time since I've been confirmed in such a way. So today, I feel good about myself...and I approve.
It's nice to overhear someone saying something nice about you; but it's even better when it's announced to your face! :)
Happy Tuesday!
Friday, March 9, 2007
They're dropping like flies...
So…it seems that many of my friends are in relationships. Some are falling in love, some are in the beginning stages of learning who the other person is, and others are finding their soul mates. It’s really all just a bunch of crap.
No…I’m not bitter and I’m not cynical.
Oh wait…yes I am.
It’s hard to be 26 and alone. My closest friends from high school are married with kids. My very best friend is dating the man of her dreams. I could see them jumping off the cliff into marriage before the end of the year. (Which leads to another thing…being a bridesmaid. Don’t get me started!! ☺) I’m always excited to be in weddings, and honestly…the wedding I am referring to is probably on the top of my list of things I’m excited about. It still doesn’t change the fact that I’m single. And from the looks of things…I probably will be for a while.
Please don’t hear me wrong. I don’t consider myself “shopping” for a boyfriend or a husband. I’m not desperate to grab the first guy that shows any hint of interest in me. I’m just a little anxious to know when and where I may meet the person God has for me. I trust that God is in control and I know that His timing will be perfect. But a part of me is starting to wonder. . . how long will I have to wait?
At the end of April I will be moving back on to live with my parents. Through different circumstances, I’ve decided that this will be the most logical place for now. I don’t think I could handle getting a new roommate. There’s really not any other options as far as that goes. And I would be able to save SO much money if I just stuck it out with mom and dad for a while. I don’t think it’s going to be hard to live at home. My parents are great and they have always allowed me to be independent. I don’t see that changing at all when I go back. But, after living on my own for 3 years, it’s going to be weird and will require an adjustment time.
All of this leads me to ponder a few things. I can’t help but think about these and I really think if I express them, then maybe I can get past them. (you’ll understand in a minute)
How long will I be at home with the folks? I think I could last a year. I would save a great deal of money and be able to establish myself financially. I need to think about a new car. I would love to be able to buy a house or condo at some point. But how long will that take.
When I do leave my parents’ house, will I still be single? That’s the thing that’s weighing heavy on my mind and heart. Will I move home, meet someone and then be able to start life fresh with that person? Or will the next step be on my own? I know that I’m totally thinking fast forward and of course so many other factors come in to play with that one. But I can’t help but wonder. I don’t want all of my friends to be married with teenagers before I can start a family of my own. I don’t want to miss out.
Looking back on the last couple of paragraphs, I realize that there’s a lot of I’s and me’s going on up there. I’m totally focusing on myself and what I don’t have. I am totally happy for those around me who are finding true love. It’s beautiful...absolutely beautiful.
And if I focus on what God wants for my life and if He has someone for me, it’ll be in His timing. Maybe I’m not who I’m supposed to be just yet or maybe the goober husband I’m going to marry isn’t there yet either. So…pray for him with me! ☺ Whoever he is! Hopefully...he'll be ready for me when I do finally meet him.
Lord, I know that you're not done with me yet. But if there's anything I can do to speed up the process...I'll trust you to lead me to obedience in that. Even if it means...I stay single.
No…I’m not bitter and I’m not cynical.
Oh wait…yes I am.
It’s hard to be 26 and alone. My closest friends from high school are married with kids. My very best friend is dating the man of her dreams. I could see them jumping off the cliff into marriage before the end of the year. (Which leads to another thing…being a bridesmaid. Don’t get me started!! ☺) I’m always excited to be in weddings, and honestly…the wedding I am referring to is probably on the top of my list of things I’m excited about. It still doesn’t change the fact that I’m single. And from the looks of things…I probably will be for a while.
Please don’t hear me wrong. I don’t consider myself “shopping” for a boyfriend or a husband. I’m not desperate to grab the first guy that shows any hint of interest in me. I’m just a little anxious to know when and where I may meet the person God has for me. I trust that God is in control and I know that His timing will be perfect. But a part of me is starting to wonder. . . how long will I have to wait?
At the end of April I will be moving back on to live with my parents. Through different circumstances, I’ve decided that this will be the most logical place for now. I don’t think I could handle getting a new roommate. There’s really not any other options as far as that goes. And I would be able to save SO much money if I just stuck it out with mom and dad for a while. I don’t think it’s going to be hard to live at home. My parents are great and they have always allowed me to be independent. I don’t see that changing at all when I go back. But, after living on my own for 3 years, it’s going to be weird and will require an adjustment time.
All of this leads me to ponder a few things. I can’t help but think about these and I really think if I express them, then maybe I can get past them. (you’ll understand in a minute)
How long will I be at home with the folks? I think I could last a year. I would save a great deal of money and be able to establish myself financially. I need to think about a new car. I would love to be able to buy a house or condo at some point. But how long will that take.
When I do leave my parents’ house, will I still be single? That’s the thing that’s weighing heavy on my mind and heart. Will I move home, meet someone and then be able to start life fresh with that person? Or will the next step be on my own? I know that I’m totally thinking fast forward and of course so many other factors come in to play with that one. But I can’t help but wonder. I don’t want all of my friends to be married with teenagers before I can start a family of my own. I don’t want to miss out.
Looking back on the last couple of paragraphs, I realize that there’s a lot of I’s and me’s going on up there. I’m totally focusing on myself and what I don’t have. I am totally happy for those around me who are finding true love. It’s beautiful...absolutely beautiful.
And if I focus on what God wants for my life and if He has someone for me, it’ll be in His timing. Maybe I’m not who I’m supposed to be just yet or maybe the goober husband I’m going to marry isn’t there yet either. So…pray for him with me! ☺ Whoever he is! Hopefully...he'll be ready for me when I do finally meet him.
Lord, I know that you're not done with me yet. But if there's anything I can do to speed up the process...I'll trust you to lead me to obedience in that. Even if it means...I stay single.
The Update...from a previous post on myspace
I posted this blog on myspace a couple of weeks ago and thought I should include it on here. Just a little update on what's going on with the job stuff!
I'm sure that some of you are wondering what has been going on lately. If I haven't talked to you in the past couple of months, you probably have no idea…but I wanted to share with you anyways. Long story short, my last day at the ministry was Jan. 31. I had been working there for over three years. Everything is good and things are great with me and the staff at BGM. (That's usually the first question that is asked…is everything ok?? So I thought I'd go ahead and answer that!) It's just a time of transition for all of us…and it's all a very good one and best of all…It's all in God's timing.
Back in September, I really started struggling with my job there. Another huge struggle was my financial situation. I love this ministry, I love Haiti, and I love the people I work with. But I really do feel like God was directing me elsewhere. So I talked to Brent several months ago and thus began the process of praying through my situation. And my prayers were answered. Although I love what I do, my heart isn't there anymore. And I don't believe that I would be a good steward of my time and my talent if I stayed. I also believe that God has chosen the people to come in to the ministry and fill the needs that are here. His plans are so much better than ours.
Throughout the month of January, I interviewed several places. I started to let people know that I was searching for a job. I posted a couple of myspace bulletins. My friend Isaac saw one of those and then heard that his office was looking for an office manager. (Good timing eh?) So I sent him my resume, interviewed with the President of the company and was offered the job on Friday, January 26. It always seems that when God moves us, He does things quickly! For that I am truly thankful.
As of January 29, I am now the office manager/executive assistant at Anode, engineered experiences. It's a marketing/design firm in Nashville. Check out their website www.anode.com. Our offices are downtown right across the street from the Hard Rock Café. It's a very cool place. I've only been here for a week, but I'm excited about the company and what I'm going to be a part of. The people here are great.
So…that's my story this week. I hope as I get settled in to the new position, that I'll have more time to correspond with friends. I feel so out of the loop and I know that people think that I'm avoiding them. I haven't…things are just super busy. I hope to catch up soon! ?
As of today, I'm loving my new job. I'm learning a lot and I'm getting more and more involved in the whole production process. The people I work with are great and they seem to really like me...so that's always good! :) I'm sure I'll write more later on about this!
SEE YA!
I'm sure that some of you are wondering what has been going on lately. If I haven't talked to you in the past couple of months, you probably have no idea…but I wanted to share with you anyways. Long story short, my last day at the ministry was Jan. 31. I had been working there for over three years. Everything is good and things are great with me and the staff at BGM. (That's usually the first question that is asked…is everything ok?? So I thought I'd go ahead and answer that!) It's just a time of transition for all of us…and it's all a very good one and best of all…It's all in God's timing.
Back in September, I really started struggling with my job there. Another huge struggle was my financial situation. I love this ministry, I love Haiti, and I love the people I work with. But I really do feel like God was directing me elsewhere. So I talked to Brent several months ago and thus began the process of praying through my situation. And my prayers were answered. Although I love what I do, my heart isn't there anymore. And I don't believe that I would be a good steward of my time and my talent if I stayed. I also believe that God has chosen the people to come in to the ministry and fill the needs that are here. His plans are so much better than ours.
Throughout the month of January, I interviewed several places. I started to let people know that I was searching for a job. I posted a couple of myspace bulletins. My friend Isaac saw one of those and then heard that his office was looking for an office manager. (Good timing eh?) So I sent him my resume, interviewed with the President of the company and was offered the job on Friday, January 26. It always seems that when God moves us, He does things quickly! For that I am truly thankful.
As of January 29, I am now the office manager/executive assistant at Anode, engineered experiences. It's a marketing/design firm in Nashville. Check out their website www.anode.com. Our offices are downtown right across the street from the Hard Rock Café. It's a very cool place. I've only been here for a week, but I'm excited about the company and what I'm going to be a part of. The people here are great.
So…that's my story this week. I hope as I get settled in to the new position, that I'll have more time to correspond with friends. I feel so out of the loop and I know that people think that I'm avoiding them. I haven't…things are just super busy. I hope to catch up soon! ?
As of today, I'm loving my new job. I'm learning a lot and I'm getting more and more involved in the whole production process. The people I work with are great and they seem to really like me...so that's always good! :) I'm sure I'll write more later on about this!
SEE YA!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Today...was boring
So...work today. A little bit on the boring side.
Not a lot going on here. My boss is out of town, a couple of the other guys are out, Donna(the only other girl in the office) was out. So, needless to say, it's been incredibly quiet.
I have caught up on some reading of local headlines and crazy stories online. Google news and CNN.com are like two totally different worlds!! It just goes to show that life isn't black and white. What you get out of it, depends on the view. Your perspective means everything. Sometimes your eyes are clouded with distractions. (ignorance, prejudices (also ignorance), or just naivety) We think we know so much.
Brittany Spears tried to kill herself over the weekend. She says she's the antichrist and ran around the rehab center like a crazy person. I can't imagine what her family is feeling right now. I can't imagine how she feels. I'm sure there are moments of sanity. That's the worse. Being aware of the situation and being helpless in trying to maintain that sanity.
The worse part is...the whole world is watching her life unravel. How long will it take for her to have an identity other than the Pop Princess gone Crazy? And of course, I'm waiting with the rest of America to find out who Anna Nicole's Baby's Daddy really is.
So...those are my thoughts for the day. What's going on with you??
Not a lot going on here. My boss is out of town, a couple of the other guys are out, Donna(the only other girl in the office) was out. So, needless to say, it's been incredibly quiet.
I have caught up on some reading of local headlines and crazy stories online. Google news and CNN.com are like two totally different worlds!! It just goes to show that life isn't black and white. What you get out of it, depends on the view. Your perspective means everything. Sometimes your eyes are clouded with distractions. (ignorance, prejudices (also ignorance), or just naivety) We think we know so much.
Brittany Spears tried to kill herself over the weekend. She says she's the antichrist and ran around the rehab center like a crazy person. I can't imagine what her family is feeling right now. I can't imagine how she feels. I'm sure there are moments of sanity. That's the worse. Being aware of the situation and being helpless in trying to maintain that sanity.
The worse part is...the whole world is watching her life unravel. How long will it take for her to have an identity other than the Pop Princess gone Crazy? And of course, I'm waiting with the rest of America to find out who Anna Nicole's Baby's Daddy really is.
So...those are my thoughts for the day. What's going on with you??
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