Friday, June 27, 2008

Pocketful of Sunshine Girl

Music has a way of soothing the beast or waking the spirit. Since I was a wee kid music was part of my life. While I was in mom's tummy her and my father put headphones up to me and said I would kick and make merry. Till this day this they claim is why I know oldies and songs I've actually never heard, but know the lyrics. I'm not quite sure, but it's kind of fun to think about. I'm pretty sure if I ever have a cute little prego tummy one day that I'd like to try it~

But from the endless hours spent rehearing for auditions and musicals to the voice lessons that while fun, were also tough, I consistently had little melodies running through my head. And this morning when I heard the lyrics "pocketful of sunshine" it stuck and I was imagining myself carrying around little bits of sunshine and handing them out on the streets. I'm sure all the cars driving near me, as I sipped from my industrial coffee mug and sang with the windows down received some sort of humor, perhaps resulting in a little bit of sunshine. Yes, a bit of sunshine, like a drive-thru fast sunshine place on your local Pellissippi Parkway.

I'm the girl that hands out sunshine on Fridays, and thinks about pirate dogs before I go to bed. I'm that girl and I like her.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Swimmer -A Metaphor.

I'm in six feet of water. A navy blue bathing suit clings to my every curve, the athletic back revealing muscles I didn't know I had. The water is blue and smells of a strong chlorine. The dark black lines on the bottom of the pool keep things in order, but I find them of no help.

In the beginning I'm just treading water, and am slow to warm up. The other swimmers are near, but become muddled, and my goggles fill up with fog and a bit of water. Nothing feels right. My body isn't coordinated, as my limbs flail about. My timing is off. Right arm stroke, left arm stroke, my head rises above the water to catch my breath. It takes time, but slowly I become more synchronized. Another deep breaths allow me to swim under the water longer. My strokes become fluid. My focus, straight ahead of me, I am unaware of distractions. I lift my head from the water and take another deep breathe, filling my lungs with oxygen before going back under. My arm lifts out of the water, arching over my head, and smoothly penetrate the surface. When I reach the end of the lane, I lift my head out of the water. No one is there. I have been swimming against myself. But in the end, that's really all it is. Perfecting myself, creating my personal best.

My arms lift me up out of the pool. I am thankful for the work they have done. My body, now tired, but refreshed by the swim. I sit at the side of the pool. Five fingers wrinkly from the moisture. I stare out ahead and this time replay in my mind what I did, the motions, the movements, the focus. I close my eyes to capture what it felt like. Next time when I dive back into the water and take my first deep breath, I will take myself to this place. Remembering the muscles exist. In the distance I hear the sounds of people cheering. I turn, and smile. They are waving at me. The moisture has evaporated off my skin now. I stand up, and see the pool is gone.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Knoxville in the Summer - Morning Poem Edition

We need to look at the mountains more, and the computer a bit less.

We need to stop stressing over meeting deadlines, and work on meeting our neighbors.

We need to come together as a community, and not be divided over a budget.

We need to celebrate Knoxville's culture, and know its more then just "a couch".

We need to hear the music in Market Square, smell the cupcakes at Magpie's, and see the beautiful river front before us.

The kids downtown in the fountain, the dogs running around the park, the line for ice cream at Brusters.

We need to enjoy life! And what a better place to do it then Knoxville!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Quick Update - Life is Good

This has been a busy, but wonderful time in my life. While I've started a new job, moved, acquired a puppy, and a new car, I've loved every minute of it!

I've so longed to update the blog, but haven't had an opportunity to yet. But I did want to share with everyone what a great and welcoming place Knoxville has been. In addition, I couldn't be more energized by my job or thankful for all the blessings that have come during these changes.

I hope everyone is having a great start to their June! Summer is here! Get out and have some ice cream! Hope to provide a more substantial update soon!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Meeting Dr. Bill Bass


Today I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Dr. Bill Bass, famous for founding the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility - otherwise known as The Body Farm.

MORE TO FOLLOW SOON! JUST HAD TO ANNOUNCE!
Great third day on the job! What an awesome guy.


Friday, June 06, 2008

A Place to Call Home

So I've officially been in Knoxville a week now, and so far it's been what I've dreamed of and more.  From the kindness strangers have shown me, to the community at a local church, and the secret history I'm learning about, this place seems like one that I could put roots down in.

A special thanks goes out to The Boy for all of his help on the move from DC to TN.  He not only loaded up the truck, unloaded it, but drove the entire way from DC to Knoxville.  That's 8 hours!  He's also been so kind to let me share his grey ghost (sports Camry) with him this past week since I haven't purchased a car.  That's on our to do list for next weekend.  I appreciate all of his help and for making me feel so at home here!  He also is an awesome decorator and has done wonders for my new apartment! (Who would have thought!) :)

Things I'm thankful for:

1) Having a wonderful companion to walk this new life with - The Boy
2) Walking Gibson, even in the mornings
3) Beginning to attend bible class and make a church a home - along with this, having The Boy to do it with
4) Driving and seeing the beautiful mountains greet me on the way to work
5) Last 2 classes wrapping up nicely
6) A porch to sit on, and read, listen to music, and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures
7) A wagging tail every time I come home
8) Summer time! There's just something about it that makes me feel like a kid!
9) Support of family and friends during this past year
10) God and such a beautiful world!


Monday, June 02, 2008

Introducing Gibson the Beagle!


Well it has certainly been an exciting past four days.  The boy flew into DC on Wednesday night, we got the truck, and packed it up and left Thursday morning.  The drive was actually really beautiful.  We arrived in Knoxville, TN on Thursday evening.
Friday we moved my stuff into my new apartment, which I love and then headed out to Young Williams Animal Shelter. Now we've been watching their website for over four months now, and the Boy has made multiple trips there looking at different puppies.  We narrowed down what breeds we like - Jack Russell, and Beagles, basically a smaller breed.  We also learned that our lifestyle would be much better for a dog older then a year.  Well on Friday (my first official day as a Knoxvillian!) we found the newest addition to our family - Gibson!

He was originally Woody, and rescued from an abusive home in March of this year.  He didn't know his name, so we've renamed him Gibson - cause he rocks.  We'd like to think further down the line that well have other pups by the name of Fender and Stratocaster!

Anyways, so Gibson is a 3 year old beagle. He was very timid at first, and we guess that he was abused by his former owner.  But by day 2 he was already playing with the Boy and I on the family room floor, and he has his own little spot on our couch, that he refuses to leave when its bed time.  We've been trying to crate train him, and are still working on sit, here, and come.  He also is learning his name. But he's such a great puppy! No barking and only one accident inside my apt. at this point.  Today was his first vet appointment, and with shots and all he was a
 perfect little gentlemen.  

Here are a few pictures of our Gibson! 
Gibson and Daddy.

Gibson and Mommy