Recommended Read: The Importance of Being Kennedy

I consider myself a fairly avid reader when I get in the groove (vacations, holidays, etc.). I typically gravitate towards suspense and chick lit, depending on my mood. The only things I refuse to read are really sad novels, such as the works of Nicholas Sparks, and self-help books. Some of my all-time favorites, though, have one common theme. They are stories about some time in history. I just find the settings fascinating--and, I love learning about note-worthy people throughout time. Hence, I found this book that I read over the holidays particularly interesting:


Presidents' lives have always attracted my attention, whether it be Lincoln, Nixon, Jefferson, or in this case Kennedy. This book is special because it intertwines a fictional base with facts about the Kennedy family. It reveals alot about the personalities of all 9 Kennedy children and their parents and grandparents. Particularly, it focuses on the childhood and young adulthood of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy and the oldest daughter Rosie. All is told from the perspective of a Kennedy nanny, Nora Brennen. While I can't say this book was spellbinding, thrilling, or hopeful, it was filled with dry humor and enlightenment of the Kennedy family. I definitely recommend reading it.

p.s. It kinda bothers me that Teddy is not in the photo on the cover. Why not choose a portrait taken once they had all been born?

Happy Holidays

Emily LOVES her musicals!

So, with the continuing downturn of Broadway greats, I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about what musicals may fill my next trip to the Northeast. Obviously, now is not the time to plan a rousing week of Broadway shows, but I am hopeful for the future. This got me thinking about all the classic--and not-so-classic--musicals, and how I think some are massively overlooked...and how I think some are ridiculously overrated. I thought I'd share my thoughts on a mere sliver of some of the well-known musicals.


Emily's top Tier

Les Miserables (war, love, history, the most amazing songs you will ever hear. You will never want it to end.)

Hairspray (As a slightly larger gal myself, I just love those quirky Turnblads! Good Morning Baltimore!)

Mamma Mia (Abba hits intertwined with picturesque scenery of the Greek Isles--very tough to beat)

The Sound of Music (an all-time fave since I was a youngster. How can you argue with Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Brigitta, Kurt, Marta, and Gretl? Not to mention the 1965 movie release with Julie Andrews!!)

Legally Blonde (Bend and Snap! Perfect musical for the 20-30-something women!)

Phantom of the Opera (unbeatable drama and musical performances)


Heartwarming Classics--a very close second tier

Annie (orphans just make your heart melt...)

My Fair Lady

The King and I (Shall we dance? Oh, so beautiful!)

White Christmas (it's hard to beat a holiday hit)

West Side Story (very catchy plot, tunes, and dance)

42nd Street (tap dancing, need I say more?)


Musicals that I consider great for their musical contributions--not so much their plots

Chicago (Fantastic music and choreography, but a bit of a downer)

Guys and Dolls

Oklahoma

Wicked (I know I may get shot on this one. I have never really been a fan of the Wizard of Oz, and, while this is a creative twist on the old classic, it is still pretty creepy. The music, however, is superb!)


Musicals for the quirky souls out there (or great for when you are just having a wacky day)

Hair (The flower child inside of me cannot begrudge the 60s, even if the hair was pretty grotesque. Still some great music and harmony, as you would expect from anything 60s.)

Annie Get Your Gun

The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (This is the funniest musical you will ever see, no joke!)


Biblical-Themed (may not be the most popular, but if you are a Christian, it's hard to say they are no good, haha)

Jesus Christ Superstar (The theme song will be stuck in your head the rest of your life...)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat


Disney classics that I haven't seen as musical productions, yet. Somehow, I don't think I am missing that much, regardless of decent reviews

The Lion King (I have heard remarkable things about the costumes....)

Beauty and the Beast


Finally, those that I find freakishly overrated

Cats (They are CATS.)

The Producers

Avenue Q (PUPPETS.)

Cabaret (Let's be honest, it is just a bit on the dark side.)

Into the Woods

Little Shop of Horrors (That whole man-eating plant thing just creeps me out. It was really hard for me to buy into that whole story.)


Some of the shows I am looking forward to seeing that have been out a while already

9 to 5 (Who doesn't love a Dolly hit?)

Jersey Boys

Merry Christmas to all! Well, all those that are here legally.

I highly encourage you to read this artlicle from this Sunday's Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091213/NEWS01/912130366/Nashville-charities-reject-immigrants-kids

It discussed the registration system that families must go through to apply for aid during the Holiday season. Programs such as The Angel Tree and Toys for Tots require social security numbers of both children and their parents in order for a family to be considered eligible for assistance. While I understand the notion of "taking care of our own first," I am not sure that I totally agree with turning families away when they just need a few kiddie toys. I was pleased to learn that these agencies do, in fact, cross-check amongst themselves to make sure families or individuals are not abusing the system and turn the guilty away for fraud. There is at least some justice in that so that resources can be stretched to as many down-on-their-luck-ers as possible. But, there is just something that doesn't sit well with me when it comes punishing innocent children in order to restrict their parents from any societal benefit because of a questionably unethical choice that they made in the past. I am happy to know that there are programs out there catering to the needs of this special minority; and, while I understand the rationale of the Salvation Army and the USMC, I wish that some of these mainstream givers could give a little more unconditionally.

I'm sold!

Well, I have taken quite the hiatus from the blog world. I am not fully back, and I don't want to discuss why I have been distant. Anyway, I just had to say a little something spesh about these precious children doing a little good out there this winter:

"South Korean children smile with tumblers during a year-end campaign to raise funds for the poor in Seoul on December 15, 2009. The event was co-sponsored by the Korea branch of the global charity group World Vision and businessmen which sell the tumblers called 'Heartea (heart and tea)' mounted with a heat sensor for 25,000 won (21.5 USD). AFP PHOTO/JUNG YEON-JE (Photo credit should read JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)"

I'll take 3....and 3 of those children, as well!!!! How adorable!?! My favorite is the one in the green cap in front. She has hardly any lips just like me!

Landfill Reclamation Project

Well, here it goes. I am going to reveal a strange fact about myself that only a select few people know. In an ideal world, I would produce awesome scuptures from recycled metals and other abandoned goodies. That dream has been put on hold due to this one little thing called a source of income. Much to my pleasure, the City Hall art exhibit for the last few months has been a display of hubcap art. It is part of the Arts Council of Williamson County's Landfill Reclamation Project. While most of my co-workers do not seem to understand the appeal, I LOVE it! Just think of where those hubcaps could be.....and what we can do with all the excess waste filling our earth! I know these are not exactly impressive pieces of art, but they are fun to look at and really get the imagination going. Obviously, these are not works of professional artists, but just think what someone really talented could do with these materials. This looks like a fun project for the creative soul.

Here's some of the hubcap art--one is stained glass, and one is even a clock:

Hallelujah!

Well, sorry for no posts in quite a while. But, guess what??? I passed my AICP exam (by a mere 3 points)! I am so relieved!

D-Day

Well, the time has come. Tomorrow is my AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Exam. 170 questions, 20 of which don't even count against my score. 3.5 hours. Weighted score between 25 and 75. 55 needed to pass.

All I gotta say is that I WANT IT TO BE OVER! I am pretty optimistic about it, but pretty anxious. It's basically luck on which questions I get asked because I know alot, but they could throw just enough off-the-wall questions at me to keep me under that 55. Oh, the horror!

On the upside, my co-worker is taking my Planning Commission items tonight so that I don't have to go to the meeting....and I don't have to come into work at all on Friday. Well, I'll keep you posted. By 4pm on Friday, I should know my fate.

Goin' to the Chapel

One of my best friends from high school got married this weekend. She was such a beautiful bride, and we had such a blast! I just can't believe she's married! Here are some photos from the weekend (thanks to Dabney for providing them).

Next to get married--pretty sure it's this couple right here:

That's my other best friend from high school! Her beau caught the garter! And, she would have caught the bouquet, but she was robbed!

The most wonderful weekend of the year....

It's that time--the 49th Annual Christmas Village at the State Fairgrounds! You don't want to miss it. It is probably our last year at the Fairgrounds, and we have the best merchants from all over! Thursday kicks it off with Sneak-a-Peek if you are lucky enough to get a ticket, and Friday through Sunday are open for general admission. You can get tickets at SunTrust Bank ($7) or at the door ($8).

November is the month for Nervous Nelly's!

November is here. The stress has fully set in. This weekend, my maid of honor duties surge in a climactic finale at my high school friend's wedding. While it will be fun times, I am little nervous about getting everything done without a hitch! What an I say, I like things to be perfect?? At least (and I know the bride would agree), the weather is going to be absolutely beautiful this weekend. That is one less thing to worry about since the wedding is outdoors! Not to mention, Sunday is a big church day for my "church lady" mother. She and my dad are singing with their quartet at church, and my bro is leading the Lord's prayer for Disability Awareness and Organ Donation Sunday.

After my weary return to Nashville, Christmas Village commences. If you don't know about Christmas Village, you should just come to the fairgrounds and find out what it is all about. I am in charge of site management, and things don't seem to be going to smoothly for me this year. I will be really glad once Sunday after the Village rolls around. Don't get me wrong--I love being at the Village. The shopping, the Christmas tunes, the free samples--you can't beat it. It's the parking problems and moving 75 park benches that I can live without. Next year, it is definitely time to step down to a lower position on the board!

Three days later, my skills as a professional planner are to be tested. I take my AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) exam on November 20th. A few months of studying just don't seem to amount to much right now. As every day passes, I seem to get more nervous. The embarrassment of possibly failing keeps me studying, but I am not very confident. I know that I know alot about the planning world, and my graduate work prepared me well for this test. However, it has been a few years since I graduated, and I am afraid my memory has been slacking. Any prayers you would like to pass my way would be greatly appreciated!

In midst of all the hoopla, I decided to keep it lively this past weekend with a 2-day Halloween celebration (which was followed by many hours of studying land use case law). Between the foam, the MC Hammer jackets, singing Miley to the Vanderbilt fans on the sidewalk, and learning the distinct difference between White Castles and Krystals from Wayne (my sorority sister's boyfriend) kept me highly entertained and distracted from my upcoming month of major events. Here are some photos from the weekend.

First Ladies

I find all the buzz about Michelle Obama quite interesting. I feel like she has almost become a bigger public figure than her husband. I have to say, that even though it is early in her term as first lady, I expected more from her. I love how she has been portrayed in the media as such a family woman and volunteer for so many worthwhile causes. I guess I just thought she would be a bigger advocate for legistlative changes pertaining to certain issues. I know it is not her job, and she probably does influence her husband a bit behind the scenes. I am just a little disappointed. I know she has been compared to both Jackie O. and Elenor Roosevelt. I see her mainly as a modern day Jackie O. She always looks amazing and is constantly in the public eye. The cameras love her.

She has graced this cover of the upcoming Glamour, though, and I am not impressed. I rarely see photos of Michelle where I don't want to run out and buy her outfit and get her hair cut. This cover does not evoke any of that in me. I love the color of the dress and the necklace. I want to like the silhouette--I usually love a full skirt--but, the part across her torso looks strange to me. And, what is with the pseudo-bowl cut! Her stance just looks awkward and forced. Glamour should have done her up right--this is a disgrace to the first lady.

Anyway, fashion aside. Let me talk about my true political inspiration--Hilary Clinton. Those of you who know me, know I am a huge Hilary fan. She will never have the mainstream appeal--or fashion sense--that the current first lady has, but she has some qualities that I have yet to see from Mrs. Obama. While Hilary may be what some would see as domineering, I think she has conviction. She has what it takes to make people listen, whether they agree or not. I believe she is a modern-day Elenor, rather than a Jackie--and that's what I like about her. Like Elenor Roosevelt, Hilary stands up for human rights. For Elenor, the big issue was housing. For Hilary, it's family services and healthcare. They both are primarily interested in equal treatment and quality of life for all mankind. Both faced attacks and mocking from the media, but each refused to be silent. I still contend that, under the Clinton administration, we had 2 leaders for the price of one. I was hoping the Obama administration would be the same. I have yet to see it, though. Maybe one of these days, I will stand corrected.

Disclaimer: I know not all of you reading this politically agree with me, I felt like my feelings should be made known.

Professional Athlete to Design Professional

I love when professional athletes actually have other fall back careers. I don't think many people know this, but Eddie George, who played for the Titans is also a landscape architect. His company's plans for the "Gateway to Herigate" were unveiled yesterday. The plans include lots of aesthetic improvements to the I-40 corridor near Jefferson Street.

http://www.wsmv.com/download/2009/1029/21467608.pdf

For Reals?

In preparation for an upcoming wedding, in which I am to be Maid of Honor, I decided to weigh myself Monday morning. Evidently, I have gained 7 lbs in the last 8-12 weeks. I have not tried on my bridesmaid dress in several months. When I tried it on a few months ago, it fit. Of course, I was thinking it would look better if I could lose about 5 lbs. But, gain 7?? Out of the question. Since the wedding is in a mere 2 weeks, I decided drastic measures needed to be taken. I set a goal of losing 10 lbs by the end of the year, and preferably 5 lbs by November 7th (the wedding). If you know me at all, I am a firm believer in setting goals that are actually reachable. The downside to that--I could probably actually lose more if I set my mind to it (well, that statement is mainly in regards to the 10lbs by the end of the year). Anyway, I guess I'd rather be successful and meet my goal than take a chance in being disspointed after a bunch of hard work.

Progress has been made. I don't know if it is a fluke or what. I weighed this morning. I have lost 4.5 lbs since Monday. 4.5 lbs in 3 full days!!! Is that right?? Maybe all the water I have been drinking just flushed my system?? All I know is the most I have ever lost in a week is 4.2 lbs, and that was only once when I had just joined Jenny Craig 4 years ago. I dunno what the deal is, but I am extremely pleased....and hope I don't weigh on Monday morning to find out it was just an off day!

Weight loss aside, my exercise regimine for this week has been very productive. In fact, yesterday, I did a full 20 minute run without stopping followed by a 15 very, very brisk walk. For me, this is progress. I started the couch-to-5k back in the spring and made it almost to the end--and quit. Every month or so, I will run just to see if I can still do it. A full 20 minute run is really good for me. Most runners would roll their eyes at me, but I am still proud. A friend of mine and I actually agreed this week to do a 5k in February, and I think I am off to a good start!

I have been very frustrated with my weight loss battle during the last year, but this week has put me back in good spirits. Let's hope it continues!

Road Trip

My older, autistic bro who I lovingly call "Lil Stevie," recently visited the great Music City with his roommate and bff, Mark. The boys' staff took them to the zoo and a few other touristy sites. Stephen has had some tough times in the last few years with the kidney failure, kidney transplant, and the big move, but he is very happy in his brand new home that he shares with Mark. He even has his own 24-hour staff, which I am sure he enjoys--most of the time anyway.

It is really nice for my parents, too, because they can travel and such and not have to worry about Stephen because they know he's in good hands. My entire family is so happy that things have worked out so nicely. Not to mention, the new kidney was a miracle--thanks to the incarcerated man who left this world on a good note.

Anyway, I thought I would share some photos from Lil Stevie's latest road trip....one is of Stephen and Mark, partaking in Stephen's fave beverage--Mello Yello. The other is of Stephen being all hard-core with the Dukes of Hazzard characters!

Best Brit of the Day

So, I am not normally a fan of Lily Allen's ensembles or hair for that matter. However, I believe this pic from yesterday morning represents her at her best. How awesome does her hair look!?! And that outfit is adorable! Yay for her.

Confessions of a Shopaholic's Daughter

I must confess--I think I had a shopping addiction for 10 years. I don't think you can say that I am still a shopaholic, but I wish I were. Due to several things going on in my life right now and the realization that I am a full-time employee and must behave like one, I no longer have the time to dedicate to my favorite pastime. So, what do I do when I can't shop?? I ask my mom to do it for me! Luckily, the shopping gene, much like the addiction part, didn't fall too far from the tree. This weekend on her way to Gatlinburg with my dad, mom stopped to drop off some new purchases for me. Yep, she is the best! Included in my bundle, were 4 (yes, four) plaid shirts from Old Navy in such fun colors for fall. This one is my fave. I actually wore it yesterday and today! Promise I won't show up to work in it tomorrow, though! Well, not without washing it, anyway :)

Public Goods

For those of you have your own offices, be very grateful. When I started my lovely job, I was blessed with my own space with my own door. I may have complained about not having a window, but little did I know how bad it could get. About 6 months after I started my job, my division of my department was moved to another part of the buiding. Now, I have still have no window, nor my own door. While I kind of enjoy the comradery, I am encountering numerous issues that I never dreamed would hinder me from my duties. First of all, my coworkers desparately need to be aware of sound. When you have no walls, one person can make your entire day miserable by merely speaking. Have people heard on inside voices??? More on that line, keep your music down. My supervisor that sits directly across from me luckily has similar taste in tunes and keeps his volume at a respectful level. A previous co-worker did not. Let's just say that I am not sad to see her go. Finally, speakerphone. You should never use it unless more that one employee is being included in the convo. Otherwise, pick up the receiver and stop being lazy because it is just distracting everyone else.

Next, temperature control. We just had a new administrative assistant move down to our end. She gets cold--alot. And, honestly, I cannot blame her. It is cold in our office right now. However, three of us in the immediate vicinity wear contacts. Heat=dry eyes. Dry eyes mean I can't stare at my computer for long. Not being able to look at the computer means I may have difficulty finishing my work. That just stresses me out. Our air is everyone's air in cube world. Just like with the noise, you have to be respectful. But my question is, when is it okay to call someone out on their office wrongdoings with out becoming the office bitch? Until I figure that out, I will just suffer in silence (with a my eyes shut and earplugs in).

The great debate: heels vs. flats

Ok, so I ran across this post on Jezzy (www.jezebel.com) today that totally represents my daily dressing debacle. I have always admired my friends that can wear--and painlessly survive in--sexy stilettos. I will just never be one of those people. I obviously wear flats more often than any other alternative. But why do I feel like I am not “dressed up” when I don’t wear heels?

I am an advocate of heels at work for the sole reason (no pun intended) that they make you feel more powerful, but my heels are a mere 2 inches, which is not exactly unbearable. I guess you could say that I grew up in a time where comfort just happened to be in style. Jelly shoes, sam and libby's, and clunky mary janes were all the rage in my childhood and adolescence. It wasn't until I reached college that I realized how ill-perpared my feet and ankles were to handle the stress of cross-campus high-heel wearing. I have tried and failed for years.

Finally, I have learned to deal with finding and investing in bearable, yet cute, heels. I have settled on the fact that I will never be like my friends who can wear 4 inchers. So, why do I still feel the need to try them on at the store, just to check? Our culture has taught us that the addition of a 3-4 inch rod under our heels make us feminine and sexier. All I know is, that when I put on that leopard print peep-toe with a 3 and half inch heel, there is no stopping my confidence. Well, except the pain that will emerge in 2 hours....

Check out the Jezzy post: http://jezebel.com/5387639/on-fashion-statement-heels-vs-feel+good-flats