a year {in review}

Welp, folks, it's that time of year. We bring out the sparkly dresses and even sparklier* drinks to toast a year well lived and to get pumped up for the year to come. Sarah and I spent time looking back over our posts and were overwhelmed with exceedingly good memories from 2012's adventures. While pulling together pictures for our collage, we were reminded of the end-of-year slideshows on yearbook day. We knew we had to add a *playlist*. Don't worry, we left out Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" {and yeah, when did that song go from sentimental power ballad to 3 legged dog sympathy fest???}.

Vitamin C said it best: 'As we go on we remember all the times we had together.' Grateful for our friends, near and far, who participated in this exceedingly good year.

K.I.T. Never change. See ya next year!
The Lunchbox Buddies

ad{ven}t

Take time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection—

For the light of God’s love is discernible everywhere.  

We will let ourselves be surprised by wonder,

And set aside time to offer quiet thanks.

The good news of Advent is this:

Christ is coming. Christ is always coming.

We will welcome Christ into our hearts.

We will let ourselves be guided by his ministry.

We will go forth from this place in hope.

Depart in peace, and take with you the certain knowledge

That God is always coming into the world. 

We will seek God, not in a long ago stable or ancient manger,

But in the people we meet and the depths of our own hearts.

May the blessing of Christmas make you a blessing to others;

May the peace of the season pervade all that you do.

We will welcome the challenge of discipleship.

We will offer ourselves as God’s ministers.

We will go forth in hope, peace, joy, and love.

Selected liturgies from Advent Candle Liturgies.

*ringing* in the holidays!!

Tonight was an incredible blessing for Sarah and I as we brought together several of our dear friends to craft, snack, and fellowship with. In the spirit of the holiday season, we made special snacks and created holiday ornaments, but we mostly basked in the goodness of simply spending time with one another. The hustle and bustle of the season can run us ragged and distract us to the point that we neglect to love those around us and the One who gave us those people. Sarah and I are so thankful to Bethany, Betsy, Emily, and Magan for following the Lunchbox Buddies throughout the year and for supporting us on our creative ventures!

In the pictures below you'll see us with our esteemed guests, some of our ring/ornament goodies, and the schwag bags that we sent home with our friends! Hosting an event like this, regardless of how big or small, is only as special as the thought and care you put into it. So if you are thinking about throwing a soirée of your own, plan little surprises for your guests and pay attention to the details... but most of all HAVE FUN!!

wake up and smell the hot cocoa

Along with being around family, holidays also bring an increased amount of....comfort food!  Everyone has their favorite holiday treats.  Check out this LINK for Allison's fool-proof crowd pleaser:  a holiday spin on puppy chow.  And it just so happens to pair perfectly with one of my favorite holiday beverages.  Forget peppermint or eggnog flavor infusions...just give me chocolate!!  

For those who have spent any amount of time around my family during the winter months, you've probably savored Abuelita's Hot Chocolate from one of the hundreds of my mom's mug collection cups.  For any who have not had the pleasure, there is a three-step approach to a successful cup of hot cocoa.

1. Picking out the mug:  seriously almost as important as what goes inside!  If sharing with friends, be sure to have some fun holiday selections.  
2. Picking a quality base product to start with:  Abuelita's Authentic Mexican Drinking Chocolate Rounds are our absolute favorite.  They have a great flavor and melt easily in milk.  My mom likes to use evaporated milk and some floating cinnamon sticks for an extra kick.  I, on the other hand, like to take that one step further and use sweetened condensed milk to melt the rounds and then add evaporated milk?!  Whaaaatttttt...
3. Picking out toppings:  I mean, honestly, it's like, who answers, "No, thanks" to the barista when asked, "Would you like whipped cream with that?"  Really.  So whether its homemade marshmallows or real whipped cream, toppings seal the deal.

As we move further into December and holiday favorites make their annual appearance, I wish you happy snacking*

showered with gifts

Fall is jam packed with holidays.  Seems like Halloween just magically runs into New Years in the blink of an eye.  Holidays are always a time of year that bring family, near and far, together to celebrate.  And, my family has extra reason to celebrate this year.  My sis is expecting her first baby!  So between trick or treating and the Macy's Day Parade, we've also had some showers for Baby H.  You know I love a party, and a party with a good theme is even better.  Baby showers are the perfect event to really play out a theme start to finish.  The first shower was a couple's Build-A-Library shower.  From library book check out card invitations to chalk board art, this harvest-hued party felt like a back to school get together.  It was the perfect theme for guys and girls to enjoy.  The boys were able to man the hamburgers on the grill while the girls handcrafted bookmarks at a craft station.  And everyone loved bringing a gift of their favorite childhood book.

The second shower was a women's tea.  It was so fun putting together the details of this delicate theme.  Enjoy the pictures from the more recent tea.

Baby H is due late December...so excited to be getting a niece/nephew for Christmas!!!

gratefully yours,

my belly may be stuffed, but not as full as my heart.
blessings span from wall to wall, i know not where to start.
 dear loved ones, kind words, even a little green in my wallet.
were i to load it all in the car, 'twould be impossible to haul it. 
each moment a gift, a demonstration of grace. 
His daily provision is perfect for each struggle that we face.

visions of goodness surrounding, i whisper word's of praise,
"thank you, Lord, for these blessings. thank you for these days."

wishing you and yours a happy {and exceedingly good} thanksgiving
*from the lunchbox buddies*

gone fishin...

gettin' cheeky

Last weekend Sarah and I enjoyed a special treat as Sarah's sister, Nita, was in town! The warm fall Saturday morning air beckoned us to Star Bagel for a quick bite and the to Cheekwood a stroll amongst the trees and flowers... and the little young'uns that were frolicking in the grass.

Botanical gardens exist in so many cities and serve as great locations for picnics, photos shoots, and leisurely naps. Admission can be a little pricy, so check out special promotions and special discounts for students/seniors/veterans!

sweet november

hey, november, we thought that was you!  

tonight's sunset was a perfect reminder of why we love fall.  and, why fall gets better and better the further we ease into it.   other reasons we love fall include:

*boots, glittens, scarves...and the plethora of other amazing fall accessories

*hot beverages/cocoa/cider/all-things-delicious 

*candy apples, funnel cake, corn on the cob and other fair carny food

*bursting colors of changing leaves

As a farewell to october's jack'o'lanterns and a nod to november's pumpkin pies,  we've include a wonderful way to continue celebrating the big man on campus (aka the pumpkin):

1.  Gather supplies to gut your pumpkin: knives and scooper tools. Cut around the stem and remove the top hat. Go to town! Dig out the guts and junk the mushy innards, while keeping all seeds separate.

2.  Wash and strain seeds.  Let dry.

3.  Lay seeds out on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 350 until golden brown.

4.  Savor your pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds)!

5.  Consider carving a last name initial or a non-holiday specific symbol, such as a heart, to use as fall decoration. If you are scratching up a pumpkin pie, skin your pumpkin and bake flesh...mash, add other ingredients, season and enjoy.

color run{nings}

last Sunday the lunchbox buddies made their debut appearance at the Color Run 5k as it made it's stop in Nashville. having signed up back in the spring and then neglected any form of training, i felt out of shape, unprepared, and chilly on that crisp fall morning. but doing anything with  group of friends makes all those cares melt away and turns an early morning to a colorful party.

we had a fantastic time walking through downtown while getting covered in vibrant hues of blue, yellow, orange, and pink. the bright colors were simply an outward expression of our inward enjoyment of the experience.

*tip* if you ever decide to participate in the color run, make sure you keep your mouth closed while running from through the color clouds... just saying. 

let's dance

Check out a few snaps of our camera from the Lunchbox Buddies trip to TPAC's {dress rehearsal} showing of the Nashville Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty (tickets courtesy of my sweet daddy!)

I'll stop insisting that the world's on fire...

{tucked in the corner of a cozy Nashville coffee shop, the Lunchbox Buddies take a few minutes to highlight an exceedingly good solo project that hits close to the heart}

Allison: Thanks so much for joining me tonight, Sarah. I'm really excited to hear about (an) EP by Dead Works. Let's start at the beginning, who is exactly is "Dead Works?"

Sarah: Oh, it's so good to be here.  Thanks for having me.  Dead Works is the first solo venture of my sweet husband, Dave Warren (dw).  Pretty stoked to share about this 5-song body of work.

Allison: Wait. So you are telling me that Dead Works = Dave Warren? I know that he plays the piano, but there were definitely multiple instruments on the tracks... 

Sarah: Haha, yep, this was a one-man labor of love.  He sang vocals and played his Wurlitzer, but, you're right.  There are def more instruments layered on those tracks.  One of my favorite things about the sound of this project is the texture of sound from all those layers.  He was able to engineer the remaining sounds.  He actually studied Songwriting and Engineering/Production at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  It was neat to see him use some of those skills with this project from start to finish.

Allison: I also see dw is adding the special touch of hand-written liner notes and customized album covers to the records. What's that about? And, why vinyl? 

Sarah:  It's vinyl, man.  dw is a total audiophile...total analog guy.  He has a tube amp for his Wurli and is just really into high quality sound.  Vinyl is his preferred medium.  If he could have cut this album on a tape machine, he would have.  As is, he recorded digitally, but had his mixes run through tape.   And the customization just fit the whole feel of this project.  Real home spun.  I love the idea of being able to offer friends such a personalized gift.

hold on

 

Last Thursday, Allison and I enjoyed Live on the Green's free concert featuring the Alabama Shakes.  Outdoor concerts are a fun year-round treat, but around here, free outdoor concerts are as a part of Fall as falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes.  Live on the Green has been offering Nashvillians the opportunity to see free live shows of local and national acts since 2009.  Do a little research to see if your city offers a free outdoor concert series!

And mark you calendar, Nashville folks, because next Thursday is your last week to check out this year's Live on the Green.  Hold on...because it sounds like Fall is officially here*

visible silence{...}

Your favorite Lunchbox Buddies partook in a rejuvenating excursion last weekend.  Earlier this summer, we contemplated taking a weekend trip to a monastery.  We shared a definite desire to join others in a tangibly sacred way of life.  After scheduling conflicts, we decided to investigate planning our own getaway.  Through the generosity of a co-worker, we escaped to a lake cabin, which offered the perfect back drop for our own silent retreat.  Packing the necessities (tooth brush...check, bug spray...check, art supplies and books to read...check, snacks...double check!), we headed off in pursuit of stillness.

Whether you are able to get away for the weekend or just connect with an internal space to be still, there is a need to intentionally bring the sacred into our daily living, because, as Henri Nouwen puts it best in Out of Solitude, "Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger.  Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.  Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our actions quickly become empty gestures.  The careful balance between silence and words, withdrawal and involvement, distance and closeness, solitude and community forms the basis of the Christian life and should therefor be the subject of our most personal attention."  

let them eat {wedding} cake

One thing the Lunchbox Buddies relish is turning events into celebrations!

Whether you are welcoming a friend home from a long trip, celebrating a professional milestone, or heralding in a new family member {carriages or marriages}, small homespun details can make a memorable occasion exceedingly good.  It's truly the icing on the cake.

We had the pleasure of celebrating the approaching union of our dear friend and co-worker, Rachel, and her fiance, Blair. It was such a treat for us to prepare for the party by crafting some festive decorations, using the materials we posted about last week. Banner/Garland is one of the easiest ways to spruce up any space. It is extra special when you know the color palates and image themes that the guests of honor favor {i.e. stalk them on Pinterest}. With all the textures and prints of scrapbook paper and ribbon/fabric, these materials can be customized to fit any theme. Along with the banner/garland, fresh flowers in fun jars or vases fill a space with sweet colors and scents. 

Also consider creating items that are visual links to how the event attendees are connected to one another. For example, we created a blessings tree for Rachel & Blair where co-workers could leave notes and prayers for the couple as they embark on their new journey. Our company's logo is a tree, which gave this special touch added significance. Play around with images, whether they are concrete examples, like a logo, or more symbolic in nature.

Cake=good.  

Cake+icing=exceedingly good.  

Happy crafting!

Sneak Peek!

We are so excited to give you this picture as a sneak peek for what we will have in store for you next Thursday! This may not look like much, but it is going to turn into something exceedingly good!

Stay tuned!

tales of grace: in feast or {in this case} famine

Oh, geez, the banana and handful of raw almonds I ate for breakfast was long gone.  The growls bellowing from my stomach were so loud, I was pretty sure the hoopty to my right could hear it over my blaring Patty Griffin album. Luckily, however, I was less than a mile from work and the first thing on my agenda for the morning was a staff meeting. Memories of past A + P staff meetings from my intern days me so strongly, I could almost taste the buttery, flaky layers of those to-die-for croissants. Recollections of flirting with the coffee cart guy kept me occupies until I finally found an empty parking spot.

I wandered down the hall toward the room Mrs. Peoples had gestured towards when telling me about the staff meeting last week.  I couldn’t help but notice how quiet things were. It was two minutes until the meeting was supposed to start and there was no hustle and bustle. No clanking coffee cups.  No tittering of office gossip.  Nothing, nothing but the hum of fluorescent lighting.  Glancing in the door, I saw a handful of people, five at most, sitting around a table that could comfortably seat fifteen.  There were, only seven chairs.  There were no projectors or computers for video announcements.  There wasn’t a croissant in sight. Maybe the time got changed?  Maybe the meeting got cancelled?  As if sent from heaven to answer my questions, Charity appeared from around the corner.  “Hey girl, you ready for the meeting?” she asked with a kind smile on her face.
 

Charity and I sat in the last two rolling chairs and, before I could inquire about the missing breakfasts treats, her cell phone rang. Because there were no more empty chairs, each staff person entering the room was physically dragging in four-legged chairs along with them.  Internally grateful that I had chosen a rolly chair closest to the only window in the room, I scooted my seat closer to the wall to give people room.  Before Charity could finish her phone call there were about thirty people in the room.  The availability of personal space was dropping just as rapidly as my blood sugar.

A woman I didn’t know from Adam entered the room with a commanding, yet welcoming, presence. After being on the receiving end of the puzzled look on my face, Charity mouthed “CEO.” The woman thanked us for our attendance and explained that she was going to begin our meeting by reading an excerpt from a letter she received in the mail from a former client of Non-Profit’s:

“From the moment I crossed the threshold at Non-Profit, I felt like a worthwhile and valuable human being, a feeling that I have rarely been afforded in the past. In the months I spent coming to Non-Profit, I learned that the traumatic events of my past, while they shaped the person I am today, no longer define me. Each time I look into the eyes of my son, I am reminded that this moment would not be possible without the care, compassion, and counseling that I received at your agency. I am eternally grateful.”

The woman swiftly laid the letter off to the side and began discussing the agenda for the remaining time, but I couldn’t even begin to discern the words spilling out of her mouth.  Tears were already welling up and the pains of hunger so dominant moments before were quickly swallowed up by a sense of pride in the work being done at Non-Profit.

Yes, Chloe is right.  I could make more money at Corporation. I could eat fancy lunches and wear pencil skirts.  My ego could be stroked by the mobile office barista. But lives are changed every day at Non-Profit and, today, I think it was mine.

Play Ball!

We can't believe that summer is winding down!

Some of us {cough, cough...Allison} are super excited about the crisp breezes and colored leaves of fall being in the near future. Others of us {ahem, Sarah} aren't quite ready to loosen the grasp on the summer heat and carefree spirit. But, alas, regardless of what we want summer will end soon, so we decided we wanted to partake in one of the quintessential parts of summer before it slipped away... baseball! 

Check out our video from our fun night at Greer Stadium cheering on the Nashville Sounds!

sir {william} shakes a lot

The humid evenings and back to school sales of August not only usher in excessive amounts of mosquito repellent and new backpacks, but the sights and sounds of a Nashville tradition: The Nashville Shakespeare Festival!

With compelling performances of Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew in their archive vault, the cast and crew proudly present Much Ado About Nothing as their 25th annual festival production. Sarah and I went to see it on it's opening night, August 16, 2012, and were quickly captivated by the wit and flash of the performance. The onstage band added dimension and foundation to the talented artists singing, dancing, and shining across the stage. And we're not the only one's who enjoyed it, check out the Nashville Scene's review!

What you may not know is that this summer, while the NSF is celebrating it's 25th anniversary, the original Shakespeare in the Park is rejoicing in 50 years of providing the landmark works of William Shakespeare to the masses. The Delacorte Theatre in Central Park in New York City has provided house and home to many celebrities as they have recited the works to so many memorable works. CBS This Morning recently featured the Delacorte and the story of this milestone, check it out! 

I {allison} have been attending NSF shows at Nashville's Centennial Park for several years now and look forward to carrying on that tradition for many years to come {including an encore performance with my sister in a few weeks}! It's an exceedingly good way to support the arts, local organizations, and summer fun!

love take me far away

During any given moment in Nashville, TN, you can find a plethora of talented musicians covering classic hits and singing originals.  Last Wednesday evening at Douglas Corner Café , one local favorite, Emily Shackelton-James, shared some new gems.  Hailing from a small town in northern Minnesota, she has made quite a name for herself during her five years in Nashville.  Most recently, you might have caught one of her songs on the promos for ABC’s new fall show, Nashville.  A writer for Liz Rose Music, Emily is also a dear friend of the lunchbox buddies.  We know her music is exceedingly good (check it out for yourself below!), but we choose to highlight her for this, as well as all her many other exceedingly good qualities.

Including, but not limited to:

*her mad gardening skills

*girlfriend can fishtail braid

*she is a freakishly coordinated zumba participant and overall gnarly dancer

*hospitable bonfire extraordinaire hostess

*amazing writer and

* possessor of an overall passionate heart

She and her husband, Caleb James, just returned from a mission trip serving with the Hands and Feet Project in Cyvadier, Haiti.  Join us in supporting her music and this worthwhile ministry.

Tales of Grace: Read Between the Text

rest in pops

Oh, the glories that could have been popsicles and peeps
at Percy Warner Park...

Unfortunately...

Sunday's rain check location was the hipster, casual hang out, Fido.  It was the perfect (dry) replacement locale for our pops in the park celebration, due to its proximity to Hot and Cold, for those still wanting some gourmet ice pops, and Dragon Park, aka Fannie Mae Dees Park.

It was an exceedingly good opportunity to reconnect with some familiar faces, as well as meet new ones.  Here's to squeezing in more summer get-togethers come rain or shine!

*      rest in popsis a copyrighted trademark of Jennifer "Ain't No Pun (If the Homies Can' Have None)" Clapp, 2012

** images in this post may or may not be slight or gross exaggerations of potentially real or actual real-life situations

PR for PR

When most people think about Nashville, they visualize the cowboy boots and short skirts of the honky tonks and the roar of the crowds from various sporting and musical events. But, often overlooked, is a plethora of activities offered through Metro Nashville's Parks and Recreation Department. And, in honor of July being National Parks and Recreation Month, we decided it would be FITting (wink wink) to highlight Nashville's local parks, community centers, and the diverse activities they offer.

No matter where you live, whether from the West Side or East Nasty, you too have these resources right at your fingertips. Check out *this link* to see where these gems are in your neighborhood. And it's not just about exercise classes and outdoor walking trails, they also offer events such as Musician's Corner and the Cultural Arts Division offers a wide range of personal interest classes. 

You have heard us rave about our local McCabe Community Center and their ridiculously fabulous yoga classes. Well, more than just the classes and our increased ability to touch our toes, we have also grown  to care for the familiar faces of the front desk workers and peers who can count on seeing each week for yoga. In celebrating the true essence of Parks and Recreation, we are attending an event this weekend at Percy Warner Park  bringing together popsicles, peeps, and parks. And yes, our homemade delicious pops from last week's post will be making their debut! Pictures to follow!

we make a peach of a pear

Popsicles are the perfect summer treat!  Whether you are a plain Jane or an adventurous Annie, Nashville's Las Paletas never disappoints.  In the heart of  the12th South district, this local gem offers cream and fruit-based pops in standard flavors, as well as gourmet pairings.  After our trip in, we were inspired to run our own popsicle test kitchen!   

We pulled together a colorful supply of tools and ingredients.  Although we invested in some re-usable popsicle molds, you can always get creative with what you have on hand!  Remember Pee Wee Herman's ice-cube-tray-and-toothpick pops?  Our ingredients consisted of fresh, seasonal fruit and various base items, such as yogurt and fruit juice.  Since you are mashing up the fruit, this is a great way to use items inching past the ripeness point of no return.

Go classic with one-ingredient pops, as well as experiment with some flavor mixtures.  This is a fun project you can do solo or with friends.  Here's hoping we enjoy eating our popsicles half as much as we enjoyed making them!

tales of grace: no place like home

“Don’t you dare start getting ready without me!” Chloe said as I hung up the phone. She had called to let me know her plane from San Fran has just landed at BNA and she had arranged for a car and driver from our condo to pick her up. Glancing at myself in the mirror I knew we were not going to make our 8:30 pm dinner reservation. It was already 6:45 pm, I looked like hell, and Chloe barely had both feet in Tennessee. It was ok, though. The restaurant in our building was incredible and much more convenient. And I know Chloe wouldn’t dream of turning down their martinis.

In three years of living together, the last twelve days were the longest Chlo and I had been apart. We moved to Nashville together about a month ago, but she had to return to San Fran for a work trip. She was lucky enough to get hired on at A+P’s sister site, Corporation, here in Nashville, which meant she essentially got to keep doing the job she had during her internship… now she just got paid for it. Her schedule in San Fran was ridiculous, so we hadn’t had a chance to do much talking.  She hadn’t heard a thing about my first week at Non Profit.

I had been standing in my closet, staring at my clothes, for what felt like only moments, when I heard the front door open.

“Chlo!” I squealed as we embraced. Hugging her neck, I breathed in the smell of the coconut extract shampoo in her beautiful, red popular girl hair.  No one dresses for travel as impeccably as Chloe.  As she stepped back to sit down her luggage, I couldn’t help but admire her new outfit.

“Girl, I am going to miss California shopping so much,” she said. And she was right; the style of the South was very different than the West Coast, and I had some perfect examples of that just from my first week of work at Non-Profit. But just as I was getting ready to share the past week's "fashion don'ts" with her, Chloe started talking about her boyfriend, Bryson, and the dates they went on in California. I instinctively flinched. Was Chloe saying that she had time in San Fran to go out with Bryson multiple times, but she was too busy working to catch up with me, her BFF?

Chloe's recapping of her romantic escapades lasted the whole two hours it took us to get ready. As we finally made our way down to the bar, I reminded her that I had just had my first week at work. “All week was new hire orientation,” I explained, “which means we watched videos on equal employment and drug free work environments. Most of the people there are really nice. There is this one girl, Charity, who seems super sweet. She invited me to bring my lunch one day and eat in the staff lounge with her so that we could get to know each other.”

“Bring your lunch to the staff lounge? What is this…elementary school?” Chloe chortled. “My new supervisor is taking me to The Cat Bird Seat Monday evening for my first day in the Nashville office. The only thing more outrageous then their menu is the wait list to even get into the place.  Did they even treat you to a fabulous anything on your first day?!”

Silently, I shook my head as Chloe snapped at the bartender for her martini to be freshened.  “That just doesn’t make sense to me,” she said with a toss of her hair. “Treating a new hire to dinner and drinks is just proper etiquette.”  

I squared my shoulders, and with a twinkle in my eye retorted in my best faux Southern drawl, "Dah-ling, we're not in Kansas anymore."

Chloe let out a high peel of laughter. "It sounds like that is exactly where you are."

what kind of bird are you?

Check it out.

{a sweet} deal

Even though I love the convenience of Netflix and Redbox-type offerings, there is just something bewitching about the experience of going to an actual movie theater.  Maybe it's the razzly dazzly junior high this-is-the-place-to-see-and-be-seen energy that always seems to exist.  Or the great game areas to kill surplus time before or after the film (how else would I have ever honed my mad Dance, Dance Revolution skills?!). Concessions are a real factor for me, too.  That hot, buttery popcorn and a cold, fizzy fountain soda are a must.  I also love getting there early to stake out seats (preferably ones by the railing so I can prop up my feet).  And, when the lights dim and you settle into your chair as you prepare to be whisked away for the next couple of hours...pure joy! 

But, the only thing more painful than the very end of a great movie is the price tag.  

Allison and I found a wonderful solution for this in the form of a Dollar or Discounted Theater.  Here in Nashville, we have Carmike Hickory 8.  Do some internet research to see what cool deals you can find in your area.  Lots of these places even sweeten the deal with weekly specials.  Our $2-a-movie theater offers a Stimulus Tuesday package.  On Tuesdays, you can get $1.50 a piece stimulus drink and popcorn and $5 off concession combos, for those of you nacho lovers out there.

So the next time you want the BIG movie theater experience without the BIG movie theater price tag, check out a discounted theater...and don't forget  your concessions!

waiting {four} winds

britches and hose

Tired of the same old Saturday night routine?  Sounds like you could use a little Roooollllllleeerrrrrrrrr Derby action!  We recently frequented Nashville's Municipal Auditorium on a Saturday night and it was a lovely thing.  If Broadway's Honky Tonks aren't your thing, look no further for your alternative scene.  A real "come as you are" atmosphere welcomes you and the concessions ain't bad. 

We took to the upper level for an eagle eye view of the action. Surprised by the fast paced Jams, we were grateful for the provided educational materials (i.e. programs) with game rosters, Jam rules and roller girl profiles.  Our favorite part of the evening was a heart-felt goodbye to one of Nashville's long standing Roller Girls, Rambo Sambo.  She was a killer Jammer, often assisted by Blocker extraordinaire and another of our top picks, Britches and Hose.  Serious dynamic duo.

     

Mark your calendars!  Next home bout is July 7th.  Game 1 starts at 5:30 pm, Game 2 at 7:30 pm.  You can purchase tickets for $10 in advance or $15 at the door (bring cash).  See you there*

Tales of Grace: First Day {of My Life}

All morning I questioned the amount of eyeliner I should wear. My mom told me once that I look like a “lady of the night” after putting on makeup while nervous.

“Please, Lord, don’t let them think I look like a tramp,” I said aloud to myself. “I can do this.” The last thing I needed was for my new co-workers to get the wrong impression of me on my first day. 

As I got out of the car, I started replaying my interview over again for the 3,016^th time. Mrs. Peoples seemed to like me and to believe I would be a good fit. I sure hope so.

iPhone, check. iPad, check. Favorite Pilot G2 blue ink pen, check. Alright, here goes nothing.

The Administrative Assistant greeted me warmly and took me upstairs. “Pat is with a client right now, but she asked me to have you wait in here until she is finished. She would like to meet with you briefly before your new employee training starts.”

As she walked away, I took advantage of the alone time to canvas my surroundings. The carpet was probably 15 years old and stains littered the areas not covered by various pieces of mismatched and outdated furniture. A desktop computer sat abandoned on a corner desk, displaying an “out of order” sign as well as an impressive amount of dust. I was about to walk closer to inspect a painting that appeared to be of a three legged horse, when I heard “You must be Grace” come from behind me.

Turning, I saw a woman grinning from ear to ear standing in the doorway; late twenties, strikingly pretty, and not married. Come on, I’m 26 and single. I do ring checks on everyone.

I returned her enthusiastic grin, “Yes, I am. And you must be Pat.”

“Oh no,” she laughed. “My name is Charity. I am in the office next to yours and heard that you had arrived. I knew Pat was with someone, so I wanted to stop in to welcome you to Non-Profit.”

“Got it. And thank you, that is very kind,” I said. “What is it that you do here?” As Charity started describing her role as Client Satisfaction Coordinator, a tall, foreboding figure entered the room.

“Charity, give Grace and me some privacy.”

She spoke so quickly that she had entered the room, taken a seat and was looking expectedly at me before I could say goodbye to Charity.

I joined the woman, whom I assumed to be Pat, at the table and began to introduce myself.

“Yes, yes,” she interrupted. “I know who you are, where you came from, and what you think you have to offer Non-Profit. What you need to know is that I have been the Director of Public Image for nine years and I am not going anywhere. We have an established and reputable name in this city that I refuse to allow any new employee to tarnish. Do you understand?”

Before I could open my mouth to respond, she resumed speaking: “Your position is new, so there is no one to be your safety net while you train. I expect you to hit the ground running. And mind you, Grace, running in the right direction.”

The door opened and Charity stepped in. I was grateful for the momentary distraction. Pat was staring at me so intensely that I felt confident she knew what color underwear I had on.

Without a word, Pat rose from the table and exited the room.

Dumbfounded, I stood up from my seat and looked at Charity with a pleading look on my face, “Can you please point me in the direction of a very strong cup of coffee?”

A timid smile formed on her face, almost as if she had been asked that question a time or two. “I’m sorry, Grace,” Charity said. “We don’t have a coffee machine here at Non-Profit, but if you sneak over to the bank next door they have usually have a fresh pot.”

Blerg.

*Written by Allison Gibson

Edited by Sarah Warren

...cause it's worth it...

ex{kite}d

There is something so magical about kites.  The gasping work of getting them off the ground and then the soaring victory of catching just the right gust that sends your colorful masterpiece gliding up, up and away. Beautiful, breezy, fleeting days of Spring are just begging for a bright kite.  Gather your supplies and run barefoot, face-to-the-sun for some wind whipping fun!  Be sure to check back to see pictures of our glorious creations and kite flying festivities*

A How-to for You

Take the two sticks, and make a cross.

Tie the two sticks together, making an X with the string. Use a dab of hot glue to reinforce the joint.

Use your X-acto knife to cut a notch in the bottom of each stick (there will be four notches). Be sure the cuts are deep enough for the string to fit within. Thread the string around the notch and wrap once around the stick for security.  Keep the string taut.  This string is the diamond frame for your kite. 

Pull the end of the string back to the middle of the kite.  Tightly wrap the string around both sticks, making an X.  Tie it off in a knot.

Cut the paper larger then the frame. Stretch across and tuck the extra around the edges and glue or tape down.

Using your pencil or pen, poke small holes in the top and bottom points. Cut a 2-foot piece of string, and knot through the holes you just made at the top and bottom to help restrain your kite.

Take the rest of the string, and tie it about halfway down the tail.  This is your flying string.

Tie a two foot piece of string to the bottom tip of your kite to make your tail, which will help stabilize your kite.  Use ribbon to make bows along the rope. 

Decorate!