Cub to Smokey

From this




To this

A Note from Friday: A Couple that Works:)

Happy Weekend.

WOW: My Cousin at Grand Teton National Park

Women & Politics Institute: At Yale.

The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University
The Women & Politics Institute is pleased to announce that Sarah E. Brewer, Ph.D., Associate Director, was the keynote speaker for the 2008 graduating class at the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University provides training for women who want to run for an elected office. Read more here.

Women and Politics is where I worked during graduate school - at American University. I'm happy to see that Women & Politics is getting coverage at Yale and at Elle Magazine's September issue. Be on the look out for Dr. Sarah E. Brewer!

The Night Bookmobile

Short stories - just started to remind myself of how much I like them.

Audrey Niffenegger author The Time Traveler's Wife , one of the books that probably makes my top 50 list also does some illustrations, and most recently I found out, comics as well. I had listened to her do a live reading in Chicago since she's a professor at Columbia College and heard her short story - The Night Bookmobile read. While it hasn't been published in complete yet (at least it looks that way) she does put out a comic sketch and parts of the chapter in bits on guardian.co.uk How fabulous! See below an excerpt from The Night Bookmobile. Anyone who loves reading and books will see themselves transparent throughout this story and really start to hope that the Night Bookmobile exists and you will find yourself on a corner of a Knoxville street one day talking to the strange driver and wandering inside.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/may/31/nightbookmobile#zoomed-picture

FRIDAY

Last night's Merle Haggard concert at the TN Theater was quite the experience. I really loved the 2 openers he had - they got the crowds all jazzed up. The concert is what I refer to as authentic country. Beyond the occasional yell of "I love you Merle" by the 38 year old behind us, there was also the family who attempted to take a family portrait during the concert. But Merle was in prime and certainly has a legendary voice.

Hope to make a homemade pizza tonight with the Boy. We've been getting so much better at it compared to when we first did it and it was basically a big ol chunk of dough - to give us credit we did try to make a deep dish pizza. Tonight well do a thin crust. Mmm nothing is better on a Friday night then a homemade pizza. It's fun to work together in the kitchen, one person chopping away while the other one is layering on the cheese. The Boy also put on all the toppings and then the cheese on top last time and it turned out great. Love the smell of it cooking and getting hunry in anticipation.

Olympics start today - well see how the U.S. does. While I don't like watching every sport I have some favorites. Also fun to get excited and watch the little towns where the athletes come from get coverage back in the U.S.

Our Best Sleeper: Funny Dog

We caught our dog sleeping like this! Too funny! Rough life! :)

Introducting : The Sailboat & My Awesome Mom.

A person I look up to - Mom recently inherited a sailboat, and did a lot of work on it. How awesome is my Mom! Talk about doing a nice job on the finish! Go MOM!

Random Stumbling: I like this.

Error is the inevitable consequence of living.

Mutual error is the inevitable consequence of living together.

Arguments and fault finding are the defensive mechanism to preserve an ego in trouble.

Confession is the sacrifice of ego on the altar of love.

Forgiveness is the balm of healing that soothes and heals the wounds of error.

Joy is the fresh new path, stretching out before the forgiver and the forgiven.

Thinking about launching an official leadership site / blog. Brainstorming titles, etc.

Will keep you posted!

Rain

The moon was like a giant copper penny in last night's sky, after the rain had come, clouds clinging to its craters against a red backdrop. With those kind of rains it suddenly makes sense why the Ark was built. It was the kind of rain that made my hair curly and my mind sleepy. The gray smudged sky, the ground running a muck with mud and streams of water.

The type of grass the the puppy hates to walk in. So instead we curled up together, his soft brown head resting on our laps as we attempted to stay warm and dry inside, and make light of the night that surrounded us.

John Hiatt

Had an opportunity to see John Hiatt in concert this weekend with the Boy and friend at The Shed in Maryville. What a neat venue! Complete with Harley Davidson motorcycles, lawn chairs, beer, and of course great music - who could ask for more? The Shed is a comfortable outdoor venue, that from the looks of the line up features some rock n roll legends, such as Leon Russell, who is coming in September.

Hiatt had great energy and played for nearly 2 hours straight, covering songs from his new CD "Same Old Man" which is a debut to his wife of 22 years. See Washington Post's write up here. My new favorite song of John's is "Cherry Red" which is about his heart burning cherry red, the same color as her lipstick, and that even when the embers of the fire have been burning for a long time, they start to look brand new and rekindle the flames. So great. I love the imagery in the cherry red of the lyrics.

I look forward to more happy findings like this in East TN! As I was sitting there listening to Hiatt, I couldn't help but think that "it may take a little while, but this place could be my home."

Fun bridesmaid dress color/style

How fun is this bridesmaid dress! One of my friends wore this for her brother's wedding. Mmm love the color of the dress, looks pretty against white gown. Nice champagnish color. Don't see it much. But if a black tux was worn...?

List of Things: Knoxville To-Do

1. Check out the KSO (Knoxville Symphony Orchestra)

2. Find a place for the dog to swim

3. Check out a driving range --- locate clubs

4. Try out different restaurants on the river

5. Go to the Art Museum

6. Rent a boat for a day


8. Find a cooking class to do

9. Take a dancing class with Boy

10. Hike Smokey Moutains - this includes by creeks, waterfalls, camping at some point, etc.!

Legality of Kissing Cousins

I heard the other day it was legal to marry your first cousin in TN. I had to look up the validity of this, and low and behold here's what I found. I think it's very interesting to look at the states that allow it, but only under certain conditions.

Check this out: Kissing Cousins

It appears to me that for those states in the third column, if you are 55 or older they think you won't be trying to have a baby anytime soon.

4th of July Playlist

A few years ago I created a 4th of July playlist, and basically had it on repeat the entire week proceeding up to the 4th and the entire weekend of the 4th. See me waving my patriotic flag?

Well I've decided to update the list and create a new list to accompany the Boy and I on our drive to Lawrenceburg and hopefully do some remembering and celebrating of our great country.

Songs so far:

Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen

Independence Day - Martina McBride

American Soldier - Toby Keith

R.O.C.K. in the USA - Mellancamp

Living in America - James Brown (got soul!)

American Pie - Don Mclean

Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (Angry American)-Toby Keith

Jack and Diane - Mellancamp

To Be Continued

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.

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.

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!

Let's hear the awww.

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!

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.

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!

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

A True Hero

What is Achilles without his tendon? Who is Samson without Delilah? Who is Oedipus without his clubfoot? 

The true hero is flawed.  The trust test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles - preferably of his own making - in order to triumph.  

Friends and Breakfast.

My nickname growing up was bird
because I liked to sing songs I made up
they didn't make much sense
but it was a joyful noise.

We should all be like the birds
Chirping in the morning
Getting ready for the day
Finding our friends
and our breakfast.

The early bird catches the sun.

The Mountains Welcoming Us.

It's wonderful to think
of the mountains
welcoming us
each morning.

Soon they will welcome me
to a land much greener
one, full of new dreams
in the making
to ebb
and to flow
like the river
before us.

Will you walk beside me
and see the mountains
before us
as opportunities
to stretch higher
and make friends with the heavens?

Let us walk in this new way
shedding the weight we had carried before
making our loads lighter,
with less on our backs and more in our hearts
We will be brave, we will be strong.

We can do it together,
and welcome the mountains
step by step
on this new morning.

It's wonderful to think
of the mountains
welcoming us
each morning.

I Am.

I am cheerios and coffee in the morning
with a bit
of you on the side.

I am boxes packed
and ready to go
start a new adventure
with you
next to me.

I am excited
with a heart shaped hope.

In the Morning

I am awake early. Vacation has a way of doing that to me,
Once I catch up, then I wake naturally -
To the sounds of the birds and the first splinter of sunlight.
I like it early.
When my thoughts can quietly settle and a word of praise can pass through my lips.
It is our new day, I say to myself.
Your thoughts find me, still and beautiful.
I am here, I tell you.
But in the morning, I am still.
Find me dancing later, on my tiptoes
to greet you when you come home.

My Mascots for Summer

Especially shout out.

And I'm thankful for the Boy especially!

Listening

We live in a society that does not value or encourage silence or listening. When is the last time you heard someone say, "Let's share some silence?" This kind of statement is rarely heard today, even in church settings or among the most intimate of friends or family.

If we are attentive, we can get back to the important discipline of deep listening -- not only to what others say, but also to the resounding silence that exists between the words. Of course, we can easily "turn up the noise" -- watching more TV, leave the laptop open all the time, keeping the iPod going while exercising, and staying ever busier at work, and being too tired at the end of the day for any real conversation -- doing anything to avoid being still, and listening, and silent.

Specifically, people can get too caught up in their roles, and masks they wear to take the time for reflection and renewal and relationships. Perhaps its easiest for people to concentrate on their to do lists, or the emails they have to write to be in the moment with another. I'm not denying my own gravitation towards doing these things and the rewards that come from a day's hard work - but rather raising the level of awareness that we don't let the day go by without really taking the time to stop and listen and appreciate those we love. It's clear that we all live healthier and happier lives if we slow down and and stop doing things and instead appreciate what really makes up a life worth living. If you take just a moment, and think about what really enhances your life, I bet it's the people in it, not the job, the organization, or the stuff.

Walk The Line

I really do want to understand this more. And while I scoured the internet for "daughter of an alcoholic father" I read the words I struggled with.

But as I read over the answers to the questions or the stories of other children it only validates my actions.

"You have identified the crucial question of -where to draw the line. I think the line you need to draw should have you, your husband and the rest of your family on one side and your father on the other.

You need your family's love and support, something your father has forfeited, but this doesn't mean you can't offer your love and support to him while taking care to stay on your side of the line."

"It may be that the most loving thing you can do for him is to say you won't see him again until he has stopped drinking and give him the address of his local AA meeting, but at the same time you must accept that you cannot force him through the door."

Send Me on My Way

It's Hapening!!

I'm making ...

my DREAMS
come
TRUE!

And I'm so THANKFUL!

and...a very HAPPY girl!

****I've been having this realization and wow every day for the past 2 weeks, and I find that the only thing I can do is to stand on my tippy toes and say, "Thanks God" You have to dream and you have to believe, and you have to do it with every part of you from the tips of your fingers to the soles of your feet. For anybody that's ever dreamed, go for it!

My Happy Tennessee List (Continued)

Friendly! With a little bit slower pace to life and a bit more focus on community - Knoxville has some really friendly people! Instead of getting on the metro and no one saying hello, I can't wait to walk down the street or run into the store and have people take to the time to say hey how are you. All of the people I've met at casual parties have been super nice. (Don't know why I choose a picture of pigs, but they are sharing water! :)


Making a church my home and attending with the Boy. I'm ready to go deeper in my relationships and grow in my faith. This has been something I've really been looking forward to.
Cooking! It's hard to cook for just one all the time, or in a kitchen that's tiny. Cooking with someone (the Boy) makes it so much easier to prepare meals and eat them! It'll be good to get into a routine and actually be home at night to make dinner - unlike during my graduate school days.

Sundown in the City on Thursday nights in downtown Knoxville. They host a series of musicians and performers throughout the summer. It'll be fun to hit this a few times throughout the next few months. Market square is really great!

New Home!

This past week I've been hanging out in Knoxville, with the Boy.  While there has been hanging out time we've also done a lot of WORK.  Work to get me ready to move here.  He likes to refer to it as my recon trip.  I love thinking that this is my last trip here before I move here. Woo, no more airplane tickets to buy every month! 

Things we accomplished:

- Made up a budget

-Signed the final offer letter

-Researched cars

-Test drove car

-Looked at apartments

-Found a beautiful apartment I can't wait to call home and it also happens to be called Walden Legacy --- think Thoreau at Walden's Pond. Ahh!

-Signed the lease

-Researched puppies and dog breeds

-Narrowed down our search

-Decided to try and rescue a puppy

-Have found one we really like - but the "puppy room" at the animal center was closed because of a sick puppy broke loose from the cage and was running around near the other puppies.

I feel so excited about the move I'm not sure words could express it.  My apartment is perfect for me - it's a gorgeous part of West Knoxville, close to my work, 7 mins. from the boy and has a pool.  There's an island in the center of the larger kitchen where I plan on cooking and serving up many meals in the next year.  It's a two year old complex, and also gated. So I feel safe and clean:)  The Boy and I worked out our moving plan and have only a few short weeks before we start on this wonderful new part of our adventure! Yay!

Now I just have to get over the fact that we found a puppy who might complete our little triangle, and be happy that the Boy can provide a home for him perhaps a month before I get here:)

dislike

 - all bad language, especially "sucks"

really can't you be more creative then use this kind of language to describe what you think about someone else. also, don't talk about other people, or turn into a gossip just because you are around one. you're better then that roomie.

Pow Wows, Notecards, and Other Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood

I'm at work - basically one of my last remaining days. I may drop by another day in a week or so to tie up a few loose ends, but this is basically it. I loved having a little corner and niche at this sometimes overwhelming city.

But what I learned most today is that someone should have banged me in the head with a frying pan. I'm not sure what it was that set me off on a little stress tangent at night, and only at night, but whatever did its certainly nothing to cry over. For starters, at a little pow wow the girls and I had this afternoon, they also made me recognize how much I have to be happy about - and reminded me of all that I had already accomplished and will. I also found myself encouraging and even pushing one of the girls a bit about some job stuff, and I again found myself pointing a finger at myself saying - Emily what the hell do you have to be nervous about!? Seriously!

You've landed an awesome job, in the city (an awesome city) that you want to live in, have an awesome relationship, an awesome salary, and now just have to find an awesome apartment and car - and heck that's the easy part right! So what has it been? Perhaps a medical scare and unconscious guilt, but that's certainly not something that's going to stop me from enjoying all of these things I've worked so hard for and are now coming true.

As the little notecard above my desk says "Making the dream HAPPEN!" And guess what, it really is!!!!

The First of My "Happy Tennessee List"

This is the beginning of my "Happy Tennessee List" In the coming weeks up to my move I'm creating a fun little list of the things that make me happy about moving there.

1. Tennessee river - view from lookout mountain (which I do want to climb)

2. Knoxville Brewer's Jam - drove down randomly one weekend and went to this. Cute mug too:)

3. Dogwoods, mmm so pretty

4. UT Games and my orange fleece - tailgating and using the Weber Q (it's a baby weber that's been sleeping far too long in my apt.)

5. Good breakfasts. I know someone that makes the best darn eggs n sausage (w/maple!) ever.

6.  This license plate on my new car!

Mother & Daughter

A Blessing!

The boy and I. I had to take a moment to post this to recognize what an amazing relationship I have, especially with helping me navigate through little life decisions lately. To walk side by side with side with him is such a blessing, one that I can't describe. It adds a whole new depth to the richness and goodness of God and life. Thank you boy for everything. 

Agape Love

Before laying down, it came to me that I knew what the tugging is:

I want to find new ways to say I love you & thank you to him. To go beyond what we already know.

And then it was simple: We must go deeper with God.

And we will.  

Agape.

Larger Thoughts

I've been wanting to write, like really write for quite some time now, but the words have been sitting at bay.  I blame the busyness of life. The reading, the thinking, the talking too much. Usually I can write when I quiet the outer and listen to the inner. When I let the words move from being the frayed edges of my heart to the center of the rhythm.  I have things on my mind. Larger philosophical questions about life that want to frame my thoughts. They beg for attention, and at night get a few minutes worth before my head becomes disenchanted with their largeness and I fall asleep.

Outside the sun has gone down, the tulips stand still in the moonlight waiting for the morning's speckled dew.  Flicks of red, pink, and yellow face up in the promise of the coming day.

Moving Up'

So I've almost wrapped up all my major projects for the semester! And it feels so good, almost like a new freedom I'm finding.  Next week I defend my thesis in class (yay/woo) and also start hunting for an apartment in Knoxville.  While moving can be overwhelming we have to look at the positives of it.  After living in a city for a year, having a car, having a car with the inability to steer, and living in an apartment with a baby upstairs, the positives are becoming ever more crystal clear:

1. Car - honk honk. I will no longer have to grocery shop according to how many lbs. I can carry in my arms. Ah, I can buy milk, beer, and water at once! Also, there's something about rolling windows down, turning on music, and moving your hand in a cool airplane like motion that gets me going.

2. Green, trees, mountains, oh my - When I look out ahead and drive to work I'll be seeing the mountains each morning, rising up before me like majesties.  I can also "plan" to go hiking. See plan in quotes:)

3. Dogs - In my current apt. you could only have a cat, that was a definite no go for this gal.  I'm currently investigating the Border Terrier. 

4. Laundry - No more paying gastronomical amounts like 3.00 dollars to be able to wash all my coloreds. Disclaimer: I plan on cooking for the boy who may let me use his washer/dryer.

5. No JDJFD- Lots of people I meet in the DC seem to work for acronyms DOD, DOE, DOJ, WH, take your pick.  They also get every other Friday off and wear strange badges and sometimes cut in front of you at restaurants and in movie lines because they are VIP. Look, another acronym.

6. Money - While education has its perks, and sleeping till 7:20 each morning has been fun, I'm tired of eating oatmeal for different meals.

7.  Favorite person - Being an hours flight away from your person only permits you to see them like once every 3 or 4 weeks.  Instead of taking a train, bus, and plane to get there I can just go down the street. 

News! I'm Moving to Knoxville!

It's official! I'm going to bid farewell to DC and move to Knoxville, TN at the end of May. I've accepted a position with the University of Tennessee as a Curriculum Development Specialist, and will be working at Oak Ridge at their Institute of Public Service - Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC).

I'm thrilled about this position, as I will be working with over 100 subject matter experts involved in training the National Forensics Academy, Air Force, Army, and other branches of government, large corporations, etc.. I'll be taking their content and coming up with a training program design in a hands-on experiential learning format. I'm also responsible for helping to develop standardized monitoring and evaluation techniques for our trainers.

LEIC is currently completing a very large addition to their building, and has constructed an outdoor classroom complete with a burn cell, stairwell going nowhere, and lab to conduct and practice investigation techniques with participants. During the summer they actually has a 10 week national academy, and the investigators come and stay in Oak Ridge for this. I'm looking forward to seeing this in action.

But overall I'm thrilled to officially become part of the Knoxville community and UT! I can wear orange now and look forward to a fall full of football games and tailgates. (The benefits package for state employees rocks!) Yes, this is part of the best part -- UT full time employees get reduced tickets for family, friends, and guests. Last Christmas, I was given a UT orange cooler and now I can finally use it!

So while the majority of this post was about the job, and UT, I have to admit my enthusiasm and excitement about moving to Knoxville has been primarily driven by a support, and a love that I have come to cherish. The Boy and I have been dating for over 2 years now, and in a long distance relationship for what's beginning to become a year and a half. We've managed it well, and this last year was much easier as we spanned only DC to TN, not TN to South Florida. But there are so many things that we want to be able to share together, that distance sometimes makes it hard to do. The Boy has been a steady rock in my life that I can count on during the good (to be my biggest cheerleader), the bad (have a shoulder to cry on), and the everyday in between - always a few laughs. He inspires me in how he lives. And we've grown close, and I look forward to all of the opportunities well have to keep growing closer once we are in the same city. He's amazing, and a blessing in my life. Together, I feel we become better people.

Here I come UT, Knoxville, and closer to The Boy! I'll keep you posted on future developments ie looking for an apartment and planning on finding a new car.

Resonating Sound

when two violins are placed in a room

if a chord on one violin is struck, the other violin will sound the note

if this is your definition of hope...this is for you

the ones who know how powerful we are

who know we can sound the music in the people around us

simply by playing our own strings

for the ones who sing life into the space

who open their c

hests and offer their breath as wind on a still day

Cute Post by the Sis-Masonick Girls

Taken from the my sis' blog.

Emily: "If smart is hot, I think therefore I am."

We were raised to think this way. That's what occurs when you grow up in a famiy where the women are all either entrepreneurs or administrators. The biggest blessing- that they are all loving and caring moms at the same time. It's difficult to mix a sense of drive and ambition with an equal call to raise a family and be attentive at home. Yet, the Masonick women stood up to the task and provided excellent role models. In our weekly phone conversations Emma and I constantly agree, "there's something special about being a Masonick girl.

The Sweetest Thing You Could Ever See is a Happy Girl.

It's been a lovely few weeks here folks.  Even with the quickly approaching end of the semester due dates, and frequent Friday dates with my thesis and delicious cheese, life is pretty darn good.

Last week I had two successful interviews, thanks to great job experiences and some stellar education, I felt prepared and ready to make a little debut. The first one would definitely get my little imagine kicking, with all of the CSIesque things that happen in the office, God only knows the stories I could end up with.  The second a true example of college bureaucracy and the works of a big campus. But none the less, I got my name and my face out there and hopefully made a good impression.  We shall see.

I had a great weekend with the Boy, who purchased Rock Band. And let's just say well...that pretty much rocked and so did we.  Also, our second version of a deep dish pizza turned out much better.  We figured out saucy is good, but only in some forms, not in pizza land.  We had fun advancing The Fighting Phyllis and Willis' (our band) and acquiring a super jet and hippie van. It's good to let your hair down every once in awhile. 

Back in DCland I'm spending a good amount of time trying to knock things out of the ballpark, figuratively speaking, get them done and above and beyond style.  All I know is that when I finally get myself a little puppy, I will be so happy.  Seriously! But I know that half the amount of fun is getting yourself there, and so I'm making the most of this journey but also really excited about what's to come!

I'll try to update more frequently, and hopefully with some exciting job news! Cross your fingers! Cue song..."Oh, oh she's a happy girl, everybody knows she's a happy girl. And the sweetest thing you could ever see in the whole wide world is a happy girl"~by martina mcbride