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!