Bittersweet Symphony

I tend to do this to myself. When I make a "life change", I don't just make one, I make a few. I'll end up being one of those people that gets married, buys a house, and moves all in one weekend. Just wait. I'm pretty close to those now, besides the whole married part...it's safe to say I've got some time for that, but that's another blog post saved for a rainy day. Today, I'll share the bittersweet melody of what April has to bring. Definitely more sweet than bitter, however with all change, there's always something you'll remember and miss from the past. Last week I announced my departure and two week notice from my Entercom Radio family. My first real and "big girl" job out of college, they took me in and what I have learned from within these walls is astounding. Sure I've learned a lot from the sales, programming, and my own promotions department, but it's the beautiful office and social politics I'll really miss. The people characters I've gotten to work with over the past 3+ years have made this place what it is for me. Sure, I'll miss the concerts, meet and greets with celebrities, and of course free tickets, but it's some of the relationships I've made I'll miss the most. Luckily Greenville is a close knit town and my new title as an Event Planner will possibly maintain some of these (even working) relationships. You just always know its not 'the same'. To think back at some of the crazy/stupid things I got to do at my job - - it nuts! Not gonna lie, I've already shed a tear or two about leaving, and I'm sure the drive away on Friday won't be any easier. Though it's extremely bitterSWEET. I am thrilled to be joining a great company in downtown Greenville, with a great group of people, and wonderful opportunities. It's exciting and I'm ready to start something new come April 1st.

Speaking of out with the old, and in with the new. I'm also peacing out of my 1960's 1 bedroom flat and moving in with my married friend Lauren and her precious golden retriever, Walker. I know I said, I would never move again, but her husband is off doing a work project over seas for 1.5-2 years (with 8 week vaca returns) and offered me a deal to live in one of their many spare bedrooms with a full bath. It's a win-win for the two of us. Both on similar schedules, same kickball team/social agenda, and just overall similar personalities. I am looking forward to it. Plus, its a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown and my new place of work. BONUS! The bitter: I'm moving, AGAIN, and I'll of course miss Augusta Rd. The Sweet: I'm still close to everything and well, all of the above. 

So I'll be moving again come 2014/2015 - who knows what life will look like then. Kind of weird and fun to think about.

Oh...and sadly...this may just be Dora's final year. Talk about the definition of bittersweet.

Dearly Beloved...

...we are gathered here today for me to share the news with you, that I have recently put some thought into becoming an internet ordained minister. If you are like any (or all) of my friends who I have recently told this to, you are probably scratching your head or have a look of disgust on your face, asking...why?! Well, like all great ideas it stemmed after a few beverages were consumed a few weekends ago with some friends. And what better place for the birth of this idea than at an engagement party. I was discussing with my happily married friend, Sara, how she would enjoy renewing her vows with her husband, Clay. Still newlyweds themselves, the conversation as you can imagine running on an open bar, got away from us a little, but resulted in me getting ordained, becoming a notary for the paperwork, and hosting what might be a very casual sand volleyball tournament/backyard BBQ party in their honor. I'm quite the event planner/entertainer, so becoming ordained would just be one more thing to add to the social résumé, anyway. Now this obviously isn't the reason I'd be doing it, yet would be a bonus. Living down south in the "Bible Belt", as well as just understanding the general importance of a ceremony to begin with, I can see where one might not want my services at their initial wedding. However, like the character of Joey Tribbiani on the great show, FRIENDS, I think my personal touch would be an asset to any one's big day. I've been to several wedding ceremonies (mostly destination), including my own 2 sisters, where the ministers do not know any thing about the bride and groom and you can clearly tell they tried to memorize facts about them to share with the congregation. Not a bad thing, but just lacking a personal touch. 

I could provide whatever you wanted. Perhaps a certain look or theme. A certain story. Maybe it's nothing. I know my opening and sermon would be better than this:

Maybe you're one of those "get in and get out" couples that's just ready to celebrate. Short and sweet ceremony - I can do that. I, too, like to party, but you already knew that because we are great friends and you want me to officiate your wedding. In fact when sharing this dream of mine with members of my bowling team on Wednesday, one Debbie Downer (sorry Lauren) crushed a party dream and told me I wouldn't be able to win the lottery if I became a notary. Another conversation that spiraled out of control. Before we knew it, we had realized that suddenly I was actually worried I was going to be a 26 year old ordained minister-notary that won 300 million dollars and couldn't collect. A little far fetched. We decided I'll cross that bridge when I come to it :) 

So what are the negatives? A 'waste' of money? If you are looking at a financial return on my investment, then yes. But if you are looking at memories that could last a lifetime, then ehh, maybe not. 

Abuse of power? This was brought to my attention - and I take offense that you would think that I would do something like that (cough*Hannah*cough). Trust me, I know I can't just go around marrying people. According to this really 'reliable' website, I need paperwork and letters for that...but... apparently nothing else.

So yea, stay tuned. Who knows, the next wedding you go to, I may just be the one legalizing the love on someones big day. xoxo

9-8-9

Predictions for my first round scores on Dancing with the Stars. A girl can dream. Have you ever thought you’d be genuinely good amazing at something? Maybe it’s singing (cough*Jill*cough), maybe you think you’re an exceptional athlete (and you’re probably not)…well I really, honestly believe that given the chance to be a contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, that mirror ball trophy would be mine. I don’t watch every season, but when I do, I find myself imitating the moves. It’s embarrassing and mainly no one else is around to even see it. However, I DO sense that I look good doing them, so I must, right?! Of course. Well, perhaps I’m wrong – if nothing else I think I have some qualifications that they might like.

There is always a television or movie star on the show. I use the term “star” loosely. Depending on the rest of the cast, and how desperate they might be that season, the star power could vary. Whether it is the Disney Channel, a Spanish Soap Opera or Reality TV star, you’re bound to see one, if not two, from any given category. Perhaps my days as a young thespian could come in handy after all. I make great facial expressions and have a cheerleading background. That ought to sell ‘em. My father also once told me I had the moves of, well, hmm, one of my more… urban friends? I guess that’s the best way to put that. Think rap. Total compliment and what I would assume to be the basis behind my idea of thinking I can dance. 

They also have athletes. I don’t have a Super Bowl ring or gold medal, but what I do have is varsity letters (soccer, lacrosse, swimming – big deal right here), certificates of participation (yes, actual certificates that I’m sure my mother framed at some point in time) and after college bowling and kickball leagues to prove that I’d be a real ace out on the dance floor. Move over Jacoby Jones. 

There’s an occasional singer. I can’t carry a tune. I’ll admit that. I wouldn’t want to be a triple threat anyway. After all, everyone loves an underdog. Why do you think I gave myself a 9-8-9 on the first night. Always room for improvement…until I get perfect 10’s. 

My only real concern may be the costumes being a little tight on this current bod. Though dancing can be one hell of a workout, so perhaps I’ll drop some L-B’s. I’ve taken a Crunk Cardio class in Spartanburg, SC a few times. A class of about 30. A live DJ. And “crunk dancing”. It’s exactly how it sounds. My urban roots came out BIG time. They had to. I was definitely a minority, and probably the worst in the class, but man did I think I looked the part. I think I was in a squat the whole time I was dancing….ladies you know how that is ‘at the club’. I’m drifting….anyway, the point:

I just want to dance…and if I may request, on Dancing with the Stars.

A Room With My Favorite Things...

Coley and Evan

...My friends. Great food. An open bar. A dance floor. Music. And bonus points for a tambourine. 

The "My Wedding Workout" tab hasn't seen any action since October, and with the 2013 season already started, I thought why not give a sneak peak at this years calendar. I last spoke of Coley and Evan's wedding, in Season Highlights. Wrapping up my 'season' with one beautiful ceremony, an even better reception, and a band that I can't live without - Az Izz. I remembered these gentlemen from my glory days at the Sigma Chi Fraternity house in Clemson, in what was sure to always be a party that didn't disappoint. However unlike those parties, this day, October 20th, 2012, the men arrived in tuxedos to impress, moves to make you smile, and an array of songs that had me on the dance floor from the moment I was 'allowed' to be. It was a perfect weekend.  To kick-off 2013 Andreana and RJ tied-the-knot in Palmetto Bluff. Another beautiful weekend, surrounded by friends and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing...obviously

my favorite thing to do at a wedding, besides make best friends with the lead vocals, which comes natural anyway :) Another great thing about all these weddings is seeing some of my most favorite people. I was in Kaci (pictured on the right - the less tan of the two women who are not me) and Paul's wedding not too long ago, and it's just fun to see out of town friends all the time. Nonny (Andreana's alias) and RJ's wedding was perfect in every way. One way though that sticks out the most - - after the typical send off at the end of the reception, we were invited not back inside the reception tent but to the "after party" in the Inn. More open bars, a DJ, dance floor, and new reception. Amazing. Dance heaven. There were sides to some of my friends I've never seen before - for example - apparently the newest and latest dance moves are push-ups...in a dress...in the middle of a dance circle (8th grade sytle). Impressive? It was. 

So like I said, the season is heating up. Many to come, and unfortunately a few on the same day. I love weddings. I think they are a blast, +1 or not, and I think it's so sweet of people to include me in their special day. Here are the fun nuptials to come for 2013....and from what I've heard, there are a few more lingering. Secrets, Secrets!

Blake & Sally, Beth & Micah, Nat & Kathleen 

Rebecca & Branford, Jessica & Jonathan, Paige & John, Wes & Becca

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far

You know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 

Meet Carol. This...is my mother. A 5 foot few inches woman, creative as can be, who finds pirate jokes the most hilarious thing.  

{No lie. The first time I told her, did you hear about that new pirate movie? It's rated "R", I thought she was going to fall out of her chair. It really is the simple things.}

She is independent, clever, makes the best shepherds pie, and just always seems to have a solution. Even if that solution is calling for help. 

Being her daughter, I undoubtedly have carried over and picked up on many of these "Carol" traits. Like I said, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Whether it be a saying, the way I said it, a facial expression, or just a personal trait I've previously mentioned, I find myself to be more like my mother every day. So it didn't surprise me when I spoke with her this week to find that we both did something, slightly, embarrassing. Her's confessed on facebook. Mine now confessed on my blog.

As you may or may not know, I am a fan of ABC's the Bachelor. As is most of the country. Don't lie to yourselves. I don't go to any major viewing party, however I do go to the entertaining living room of my friends Lindsey and Jill's down the street. We do what we do best. Tear each segment apart as if we know each relationship and cast member personally and have some authority to decide who "belongs together"....for at least the next few months. As I got in my car to go over there this week I forgot/remembered that I needed to get gas. Being that they live less than a mile away, I chanced it. I pulled up and literally as I'm parking, Dora died. We all took a quick adventure to the sketchiest, yet closest gas station, and of course, no gas can. I have only ran out of gas 1 other time (knock on wood) and that was on the first week of my college internship. Luckily for me, they already knew I had a decent sense of humor, so the jokes were actually funny, but still very embarrassing sitting by the side of the road near Greenville High waiting to be picked up by my brand new boss. This time, I confessed that I knew I was embarrassed from the get-go and called a near by gentleman who I knew could and would, save the day/night. A few gallons later and I was back in business. SO thankful!

Carol's problem wasn't quite as obvious. To her credit, my guess wouldn't have been batteries either. Billy, my brother still in college and living at home, as well as my mother are both very thin people. With no 'meat on their  bones' I would go ahead and say that 53 degrees, a large house, and a small fireplace wasn't exactly ideal in Virginia during a snow warning. Apparently the noble 24 year old son tried to question her about the thermostat using batteries versus electricity, and Carol was very quick to shoot him down. I can envision poor Billy out chopping more firewood, and carrying it in in his favorite winter outfit of boots, shorts, and a t-shirt. Frat hard. Frat often. So thankfully, a nice man, not looking to take advantage of a single woman with no idea of what she's talking about clued my mother in, and helped her out. In true Hennessey fashion....the batteries were still dead.