Day 303 Budget and 5 year anniversary

Today I made a budget. I went and found out exactly how much I owed on my credit cards and my APR. My plan is to have everything paid off in 5-7 years so I can retire. It is good to have a plan.

Today was my 5 year anniversary with josh. It's hard to believe it's been 5 years already! 

Day 302 Voting and Santa

Voting is a regular thing for me. I take my ability to vote very seriously. Taylor will tell you I preach voting to everyone. When the kids were young, I would take them with me. I feel it is our duty as citizens to vote. I always vote because of the people running. This time I voted because of the amendments. Tennessee is a red state and I am very much a blue state person so the people I vote for seldom win. I do vote republican, if I think the person will be a responsible representative and not just vote party lines. This election we are voting for governor and one senator. Both incumbents are running and I am sure they will win easily.  But there are four amendments on the ballot. Amendment one is especially important. If it passes, abortion clinic will become so regulated they will not be viable. Tennessee will basically outlaw a woman's right to control her own medical decisions. I went to vote today to vote no. I did not care about voting for anyone or anything else. I voted on everything but I went for the amendment. The advocates for voting against amendment one are urging their supporters to not vote for governor. There is a loophole in the constitution that says an amendment has to have a certain percentage of the votes cast for the governor to pass. I do think it would be funny if the amendment passed but their incumbent governor lost because they did not vote for him. Would be even better if the amendment and the governor were defeated. 

I would definitely say my momma has always made it known she's an advocate for your voting right. 

Today I booked a brand new Santa for our store. When I started with CFA they'd been using the same Santa for a number of years. That guy retired at the end of last season so I was on a mad hunt for a new one. Well today, I officially booked a new Santa :)

Day 301 No mirror and Halloween costume

I was home sick today so going all day without looking in a mirror was easy. I did run out to get food and I am sure I looked a mess but who cares. I needed food and decided going without checking to see what I looked like was okay. Too often people put too much emphasis on looks and not on what a person is like on the inside.

So I'm 27. I couldn't tell you the last time I dressed up for Halloween. We had a trunk or treat fall festival at work tonight so it was the perfect excuse. Normally I don't dress up for my work events. Mo usually like to try to keep it professional, but I figured why not? Let's have some fun! So I dressed up as Rosie the riveter. And apparently it was a great idea because 2 other girls dressed the same! But the absolute highlight of my night was getting to see the Merino's. I haven't seen them in so long. They're my usual Thursday night church date night. And since I've been missing church I've been missing them as well. It was so great to get to catch up with them and see Zac all dressed up! 

The three Rosie's 

And Spider-Man stole my heart ❤️☺️

Day 300 Pivotal Living and prayer

Pivotal Living was offering a $12 fitness band. The deal was highlighted on USA Today and the Today show. You pay them $12 a year, they send you a band and you get their app. I thought it was a great deal. I have a Fitbit that you attach to your clothes but I don't like it. I wanted to try a band but didn't feel I could spend another $100 on a fitness tracker. I will let you know how the band works if they actually send it.

I'm not usually one to ask for thoughts or prayers for myself. For my family and friends, definitely. Tonight my small group leader emailed me letting me know the group has missed me since I've not been able to attend in a while because I've been working so much. I emailed her back and asked for her and the group to pray for me. I've been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety lately. Hopefully that will help! 

Day 299 American Graffiti and lunch at my grandparents

There are all these classic movies that I have not seen that were released during my lifetime. One of them is American Graffiti. For some reason I have never seen it. I decided to watch it this afternoon. I was not impressed. In fact, it was boring. The music was good though.

This afternoon we went over to my grandfathers for lunch. Dad had picked up bbq and we all are on the patio. As many years as they've lived in that house I've never eaten on the patio. 

Day 298 Ultimate grilled cheese and hanging with the ex

It's the Bama v. UT game! My Dad and brother came in to town and we all met, along with momma, at a bar called latitude 35 on market square. I had an ultimate grilled cheese with sweet potato waffle fries. The grilled cheese had cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and Grannie smith apples. It was really good!

Here is a picture of my brother, my dad and myself on the field before the football game. It was nice having a family filled weekend :) Mom and I had a good time together at the game too even though UT lost. 

I also want to wish a very happy 3rd birthday to my nephew Bryson!! I miss you! 

It was so nice having both of my kids home. I got to take advantage of them coming to see their Dad. It was fun hanging out before the game. I cannot remember the last time the four of us did something together. We had a great time.

Day 297 Sick and Willies

  Today I was feeling pretty bad. I went to work but when it was time to return from lunch I just couldn't do it. I called my boss and went home. I have never done that - call from lunch and say I cannot come back to work. I am glad I did. I took a nap and that made me feel better.

Today after work I headed home for the weekend. When I got home, mom Aunt Mary and I went to dinner in Seymour to a place called willies. I had the tortellini. It was rather tasty. A nice change to what I usually have in the boro. 

Day 296 Homeless and new schedule form

The University offers free classes for employees. A new thing they have started are lunchtime talks. I signed up for one about homelessness. I am always uncomfortable when I meet a homeless person. I don't know whether I should give them money or just walk away. One of our university police officers gave the talk. It was very informative. First - don't give them money. It encourages panhandling. Second - Knoxville has excellent services for the homeless. So good in fact that other cities buy their homeless bus tickets to Knoxville. He suggested we buy them food or just direct them to our shelters. I am so glad I went and learned more about the homeless.

Another scheduling post... Indeed. It is my life lately. Well I was taught a new way to do the schedule that will hopefully make the process even faster. That's about all I'll say about it. 

Day 295 Naples and perfected apple chai

There is a restaurant here in Knoxville called Naples. It has been here since before I moved here in 1981. It is an Italian place which is one of my favorite types of food. I had never eaten there until today. Today we had our monthly lunch there. It was delicious.

I promise this is my last apple chai post. My original at home version of the delicious Starbucks drink was not that great. Not as sweet and "fall" tasting. Last night I had josh pick up some apple juice. I was afraid to put apple juice in my kuerig instead of water but I gave it a try. Sure enough, that's what I was missing!! I'm so excited to finally have figured out how to make this yummy drink at home! 

Day 294 Bella Andre and Vimeo video

Today I started reading a book by Bella Andre. I had never heard of her but she was highly rated on Amazon. The book is the first in a series about the Sullivan family.

So there's this website that houses a bunch of videos. To me it sounds similar to YouTube. We're using it for work where all of the directors upload the video of themselves describing a certain list of things. Well tonight I made my first Vimeo video! Unfortunately there is a limit to the storage space so my video didn't get to be loaded :(

Day 293 New pedicure place and New Meal at Smashburger

Yes, once again I have tried a new pedicure place. This one was recommended by a friend. I was nervous about it though. It was an Asian place which I have always avoided. But I really liked this place. They give you a packet with your tools. If you bring it back, you get $3.00 off next time.  I think I have found my new pedicure place! It has been a real journey this year.

After working late (shocker 😉) I decided to pick up some dinner for josh and I. He had the day off again but neither of us were in the mood to cook. So I headed to smash burger to get some dinner. I always get a regular burger with cheese, ketchup, and grilled onions. This time I decided to give their grilled chicken a try. It was actually pretty yummy buy the chicken was the size of my head! 

Day 292 Gigi cupcake and sleep

I got home from visiting Taylor to find Gigi's cupcakes at my house. A friend who said at my house while I was gone left them here as a thank you. I am not a big fan of cupcakes from stores usually but this one yummy. 

Who doesn't love sleep? I know I do but I don't get nearly enough of it with working so much lately. Josh was off today and literally all we did all day today was sleep. We had some football games on the tv but we literally just slept all day. The only other times I've ever done that was if I was sick. I did this simply because I was so exhausted. 

Day 291 Big Smo

Most people don't know who Big Smo is. If you're like mom you'll ask "what's a big smo?" Big Smo is a country rapper from Shelbyville. We were in bell buckle today for the craft fair and we stopped to each some lunch right outside of Big Smo's new restaurant there. Apparently today was the grand opening. So of course Big Smo had to come! Everyone was so excited to see him. I did get a glimpse but I didn't get a picture of him but I did of his store.

I will share this first. I had no idea who Big Smo was but we were outside the store when he was there. The crowd was quite excited.

Day 290 Fall Fest and elephants

I've (Taylor) been to many school fall festivals since working at Chick-fil-A. Many of those were outside in the cold. Thankfully this one was all inside throughout the entire school. I've never seen a fall fest like this. It was so well organized with face painting, cake walks, and much much more. It made me wish my school had a fall fest. Maybe they did and I just didn't remember them.  

The circus was being held at my work today. They had three elephants and they were right outside my window. I got to see them unloaded from the semi, fed and then washed. It was fascinating. I watched them all day. Fortunately it was a slow day at work. 

Day 289 Lunchtime movie and homemade apple chai tea

I was without a car today so I had to eat at the restaurant down the hall. I decided to get some privacy while I ate so I took my earphones and watched a movie while I ate. It was like being in my own world. Very relaxing.

So I've become obsessed with the apple chai tea from Starbucks. I had hoped I had figured out how to make it at home. My attempt was an awful fail :( I used a chai tea and apple cider K cup but it wasn't nearly as sweet as I wanted. My next idea is to use apple juice instead of water. 

Day 288 The Miracle Worker and cookie party

Tonight I went to see the play "The Miracle Worker". I have seen the movie but this was my first time to see the play. The actors did a great job. I enjoyed the performance very much.

Today I got to take cookies to an elementary school for a cookie party. The class that I took the cookies to for the party had won the cookie party by having the most attendance at one of our spirit nights at the store. They were all so excited. I can't explain just how much I love my job when I get to see smile on the face of a kid. 

Day 287 Not Watsons and Dustin Lynch

Today my Mom was stopping in Knoxville after visiting the Bush Beans factory with her senior citizen group. My sisters and I met them on Market Square for lunch. We all decided to try the newest restaurant called Not Watsons. The name comes from the store that once inhabited that spot. The food was delicious. The service was a little slow but I think they were surprised by the crowd size. I want to go back for dessert. They have a cupcake with candied bacon on top. Interesting.

If you're a country music fan you probably know who Dustin Lynch is. He's a local (well as local as an hour away can get to mboro) boy so it really shouldn't have surprised me. But Dustin showed up in our store this morning. A coworker of mine is a huge country fan and she even got her picture made with him. He seemed a little awkward about the entire thing so I didn't push getting a picture made with him. Plus I looked like poop since I only had a meeting at work this morning. But here is rach with Dustin. 

Day 286 Milkshake for dinner and rain jacket

I don't have milkshakes very often. I don't know why. I love ice cream. Today I had a horrible day at work. Coming home nothing sounded good for dinner. I knew I was going to have some comfort food. Ice cream came to mind. So off to Chick-fil-a for a chocolate milkshake. I don't think I have ever had one from there. It was delicious.

I suggested to mom after hearing about her first that she mixup the flavors! Most people don't know you can. But try a chocolate cookies and cream shake, or a chocolate and strawberry together (for a chocolate covered strawberry milkshake - yummy!!). My first for the day isn't very exciting for some but I bought my first official rain jacket. It's rained here for what feels like years (maybe just a week or so) but I have nothing cute to keep warm and dry. So off I went to tjmaxx for some retail therapy (my week last week was awful!) I found the cutest Jessica simpson rain jacket. It's essentially 2 jackets in one which makes it even more amazing! Now I'm hoping for rain so I can wear my cute jacket lol. 

Day 285 Forever and Titans suite

Today it poured all day. Wasn't a fit day to be outside so I stayed in and read and caught up on some TV. I watched a new show called Forever. Interesting concept. The main character is centuries old. He cannot die. Currently he is working as a medical examiner. Quite intriguing.

Today we went to the Titans game. We have really good seats but a guy josh deployed with was at the game and said he could get us in a box seat. So at half time we moved up to a suite. I'll say this, they're fancy but I almost fell asleep it was so boring. People were more concerned with chatting than watching the game. At least in our seats you're in the middle of it all. I definitely prefer our seats. But the suite would be nice if it rained lol 

Day 284 Closing the store and new purse

Today I was supposed to go on a date with josh. There was a free outdoor Dave Barnes concert in Nashville that I've wanted to go to since I found out about it. It turned out josh was off so we decided to go. He has been working 3rd shift this week so he laid down for a nap around 11 and told me to wake him up when I was ready to go. Well we were 4 people short at work tonight and I didn't feel like josh really wanted to go. So unfortunately I bailed on my date I was really looking forward to with my husband to go to work. This was the first time I've ever worked a shift on a Saturday and even more the first time I've ever closed the store. I'm still really upset that I canceled on my husband because when he woke up he said he was actually really looking forward to going and spending time with me. Have I mentioned it's been a very long and emotional week? Again when I got home I cried because I was upset with myself.  

I went to a quilt show with my friends today. I needed a new purse and thought I might go looking for one this weekend. This particular quilt show has a boutique which sells things made by their members. I found a purse. I did not think about getting one but all my friends were yelling at me to come look because it was perfect for me. It was.

Day 283 University Women's Club and Apple Chai Tea

The University where I work has a club for the salaried women and faculty. Since I am now salaried, I was invited to join. I was hesitant because I am so uncomftable around people I don't know but in the spirit of my year of firsts, I decided to join. Today was my first lunch meeting. The speaker was our new basketball coach's wife. It was a nice lunch and I made a point to talk to everyone at my table. This year has certainly pushed me to go outside my comfort zone on many occasions.

Today a coworker made a Starbucks trip and I ordered my usual fall drink - pumpkin spiced latte. Another coworker got an apple chai tea. I've never had chai tea but I was very intrigued when she said it tasted like apple cider. That was seriously the best drink I've ever had. That will be my new staple drink and the best part is that it's cheaper than drinks I normally get! 

Day 282 Mobile banking and running the store

Today I (Lynn) tried mobile banking. I belong to a credit union so it is not an app which sucks but it is really cool. I doubt I will use it much but at least I know it is there if I need it.

My life revolves around my job. Or at least this week it sure does seem to. It's been a really hard week and a really hard day. A day of non stop crying unless I was working up front in the store. It definitely didn't help that it poured all day long. But today while the majority of our shift leads were in a meeting, I was in charge of the entire store. I had to take care of when people clocked in, clocked out all whole bagging for drive thru and front counter and deliver food to our guests. To say I was more than ready to see that time end is an understatement. It showed me I could do it but I definitely don't want to do that much more. 

Day 281 Gym with sisters and doctor

Tonight I talked both of my sisters into joining me at the gym tonight. I hope this will become a regular thing.

Today I went for a yearly physical at the doctor and to see if I could be put on a different medicine that hopefully won't cause so many migraines. Well everything checked out perfect excluding the fact that for the first time the doctor told me I'm officially fat. And a lot of snag I've been dealing with (sleep problems, heart burn, acid reflux, etc) are all related to being far. Not what you really want to hear. 

Day 280 Gingerbread pop tart and La Bella Pizzaria

Gingerbread is one of my favorites. My sister, Marian was shopping over the weekend and discovered Pop tart now offered a gingerbread flavor. Knowing my love of all things gingerbread, she bought me a box. I had some for breakfast. They were pretty good.

Those sound delish! I, like my mother, love gingerbread. And I love poptarts so I'm pretty sure i would love those! 

Tonight I tried a new delivery place (that's what happens when you don't have a dinner date, you don't have time to wash dishes let alone cook and you're doing work). It was called La Bella Pizzeria. And it was pretty yummy. I had a ham and pineapple calzone. Definitely glad I found another delivery place :) 

Day 279 Download pattern and best friend is preggo!!

Today I found a quilt pattern that I wanted to purchase. Taylor's best friend is pregnant and I want to make her a quilt. I thought I was buying a pattern that would be mailed to me. Nope, it was a download. How cool to have your pattern immediately? I cannot wait to get started.

I've had to hold in the news that my best friend is pregnant since the beginning of August and I was finally able to announce it to everyone I know! Since meeting Jess she's always said she never wanted kids and the last year or so she's started to get the baby itch and she finally got pregnant! I can't wait to welcome this sweet baby boy and spoil him wrotten! 

Day 278 Mitered corner and Chef Wangs

Today I was working on a round robin quilt project. It belongs to my friend, Kathy. I added some appliqué but I wanted to add borders to two sides. These two sides needed to be mitered or it would have been ugly. This was only the second time I tried mitering borders and the other time was so long ago, I don't remember doing it. I think it turned out pretty good.

I'v lived in murfreesboro since August of 2005 (holy cow 9 years!!) and I've never once been to a very popular Chinese buffet called chef wangs. Tonight after a very exciting day (to be announced later) a bunch of us went to dinner there. I must say I'm not a fan of buffets. Let alone Chinese buffets. For some reason the thought of mass producing Chinese food makes me want to hurl. It was pretty good but I probably won't frequent it for that reason. If you like Chinese buffets you'll probably love it. 

Day 277 Alphas and New Brush

Today was a lazy Saturday so I took an easy first. I watched a couple of episodes of the Syfy show Alphas. I wanted to see it because one of my favorite characters, Sheldon Cooper,  has a melt down when he finds out they cancelled the show after one season.

So I've had the same hair brush since my early years of high school. I had seen a "wet" brush that is apparently safe to use on wet hair. And since I rarely dry my hair anymore (I just sleep with it wet and straighten it in the morning if I don't wear it curly) I wanted to try it so I could brush my hair while it was wet. I must say, it worked amazingly. And it was really awesome using while drying my hair today. I'm pretty pumped about it :) 

Day 276 Long Island ice tea and Live Auction

Today's first for me was trying a Long Island ice tea. I believe I tried one back in the 80s. I forgot how yummy they are. Sure was nice after a very stressful week.

Tonight we had a booth set up at an Alzheimer's fundraiser. One of the events they featured was a live auction. I've never seen one before and it was pretty awesome! 

Day 275 ABC Fashion Show and Pets for Vets

Tonight I (Taylor) got to take food and the cow to the YMCA After Breast Cancer fashion show. This event raises money for the program housed at our local Y. Women who have gone thru chemo, had their breasts removed and much more are able to be a part of ABC. The program offers a free wig bank, physical therapy and numerous other things. It truly touched my heart to be able to be a part of this event. 

I was sent an email from an author I read about a special offer on all ebook sites. It was 12 books by various author each one featuring a military aspect. All 12 books were $1.99 and all the proceeds went to Pets for Vets. This program helps provide pets to veterans. I may never read most of the books but it was a great cause.

Day 274 Recipe chain letter and New Website

I do NOT like chain emails. I always just delete them. Today I got a recipe chain email from a friend. You send one recipe to the first person on the list. Then copy the email, erase the name you sent one to, put you email on the list and send it to 20 people. You blind copy everyone so I decided to do it. I was lucky only three people declined my offer. I have only gotten five recipes but still I did it. Probably will never do it again.

Haha momma! I totally am not going to continue the chain bc I, like you, hate those things. 

Tonight I discovered and new website full of healthy treats. The site is called Protein Treats by Nicolette. I can't wait to try some of these!!! 

http://www.proteintreatsbynicolette.com