It’s been two months since I wrote down my resolutions for the year, and it’s time for an update. And a reality check.

Be all here.
I’ve actually been pretty successful with this one so far. I’ve been enjoying my time here in Nashville, and I cannot believe I’ve been here for three months! Not only have I been spending a lot of time with my fiance and our mutual friends, but I’ve gone out with old and new friends, too. And had one hell of a girls’ night last weekend.

Be active.
Major fail. Due to inclement weather and laziness, I’ve had a tough time with this resolution. Add that with a new schedule (due to a full-time job with real people hours), I haven’t been getting the exercise I need. And my pants aren’t fitting at all, which makes me really, really sad.

Along the same lines, be choosy about what I eat.
I’m definitely paying more attention to what I eat, and it looks like I will be participating in a CSA this summer, too! I seriously cannot wait for all the fresh fruit and veggie goodness. And I need to learn some new recipes to keep things varied in the kitchen.

Volunteer.
Still working on this one…

Compete.
Not happening… yet. I hope when the weather gets nicer, I can start training for a race sometime this summer in Nashville or a surrounding town.

Write more.
Working on this one, too. I’ve had LOTS of ideas of things to write, but I haven’t had the chance. I’m trying to block off a few hours every weekend to write — for myself, for my blogs and for freelance stuff. Because writing makes me happy. And because, apparently, y’all wish I would write more.

Stand on my own two feet, financially, with freelance photography.
Obviously, this is a MAJOR reach goal for the year. I’m working on revamping my photo Web site and that blog, and I hope to start advertising on some wedding blogs, as well as creating relationships with some of the magazines here in town. Oh, you need a photographer? Let’s talk!

Be brave.
I’ve never been a brave kind of person, but I’m getting better. I try to put myself out of my comfort zone for this purpose: I want to be braver. And I will be.

…

Obviously, I’ve got a ways to go before completing all of these goals, but I have good start (on some.) And hopefully, I’ll get better with the ones I have been struggling with. Especially since I plan to post about this every month, and I’d rather not embarrass myself by revealing, time and time again, that I’m a bum…

How are your resolutions looking right now?

                          

The boy, Lucy and I headed to a local park yesterday morning to get in some exercise. We’ve always adored said park because it isn’t ever crowded and there is a long walking trail that snakes through the grassy area.

When we arrived around 11 a.m., there was a notable change in the park. There were dozens of people, and each one had at least one small child in tow. Young couples were walking their dogs and pushing strollers at the same time. And children — dozens of children — were swinging, sliding, playing hide and seek on the playground equipment next to the walking path. Some kids and their parents were more adventurous and were exploring the creek bed that runs through the park, and we had a good laugh because when I was a kid, there was a creek near my house, and I was there ALL THE TIME. Catching frogs and minnows and other living creatures that were cool back then.

We made our way through the busiest part of the park easily, and we all took a deep breath when we reached the wide open space. Because we’d never seen the park that busy before. And because Lucy was incredibly wary of the hoard of children. (We think the sights and sounds were too much for her. But every time she has spent one-on-one time with a young child, she has been a calm, not-neurotic champion.)

As we walked, we talked about this and that. What our Fridays were like, what we wanted to do for lunch, how spring cleaning was going, and finally, children. Not about having kids, but kids in general — what we liked to do as kids and who we know is starting a family soon.

For whatever reason, seeing all those little kids together and walking with my pup and fiancé made my biological clock audible. And, before this point, I’d never heard it.

Sure, I’ve always known I wanted to have children when I “grew up,” but after spending four summers as a camp counselor, I was sure of two things. First off, I wanted to be prepared — married and settled down and ready to take on the responsibility. And secondly? I didn’t want to have a litter. (Because keeping track of EIGHT children the same age from your cabin is fun for a week or two, but I cannot imagine that in real life. So whoever does that drew a tough hand, but is a saint in my eyes. Because that is INTENSE.)

Yeah.

So, for the first time ever, I could hear my biological clock ticking. And, while it excites me for the far-off future, it’s a little overwhelming right now because, honestly, I never thought this day would come. And because we are not ready to be responsible for anyone more than ourselves and Lucy.

And, after having spoken to some friends about this last night, I’ve been told it will only get worse as time passes.

Which is fantastic. And something I totally don’t need to add to my crazy just yet — bride brain is more than enough, thankyouverymuch.

…

What about you, friends? Has your biological clock made itself obvious in your life? And, if so, does it get better or worse?

And, for any guys reading, do you think we’re all a little crazy now?

                          

And since I have driven Felicity for almost seven years, I did what any grown woman would do faced with a similar quandry.

I cried.

A lot.

Friday, the boy and I put on our thinking caps. We knew that we were eventually going to have to get me a new car, but it appeared the time was coming sooner than either of us expected. BUT IT WAS OK. We would work through it. And we would be OK — more than OK.

(Those last four lines? That was what the boy kept saying OVER AND OVER again. Because I might still have been hysterical about Felicity.)

We decided to go car shopping Saturday afternoon before law school prom. (It’s a real thing, I promise. And I totally wore and rocked a gown I had taken in three years ago because it was too big!) After spending time at two dealerships, we decided to take home one of the cars to test for the evening. Because, apparently, dealerships let you do that kind of thing now.

And it was a good thing we did.

I noticed there was a strange reflection of the dashboard on the windshield, and it was distracting me. The longer I drove, the more I realized I felt like I was wearing the wrong prescription. Or wearing beer goggles. … It was bad. And I felt kind of dizzy when I arrived at home shortly after.

So we took the car back in the morning, disappointed but realistic. We weren’t going to purchase a car that made me sick.

Then I did what any logical girl in my situation would do on a lazy Sunday: I gave up. (Potentially bad family news also took a toll on me that day, as well.) The boy dropped me off at home, headed to another dealership for them to take a look at Felicity, and to figure out what else we could do.

He’s a smart guy, you know.

We had a long discussion Sunday night about what we were looking for, what we could afford, what I specifically wanted in a new car (which is nothing, really, because everything in new cars right now is SO MUCH BETTER than anything I’ve ever had in a vehicle. I mean, I had a tape deck until 2005…) And we came up with a gameplan for Monday.

We went to look at another dealership after the boy picked me up from work. We liked what we saw, but we weren’t sure if we liked it more than another car we had driven Saturday.

So what did my boy do? He called the other dealership to see if they had a better offer.

If there were any doubts in my mind about what he was supposed to do when he grows up, they were assuaged at this moment. He’s definitely a future lawyer. (As if I didn’t know that already by playing Monopoly with him and his family… Geesh.)

We deliberated some more. We talked with the sales reps. We decided to run out for a quick dinner and sitting at a tiny, empty Mexican restaurant, we made our decision.

And we took home a new car last night after spending time filling out the necessary paperwork.

…

I’m thrilled to have a new car. Not necessarily because it’s new, but more so because my boy has been waking up early so he can drive me to work every morning. And I work across town, about 14 miles from the house to my office ONE WAY. And because the public transportation in this town is not up to par.

I’m thrilled because this is our first REAL big purchase together as a couple. Both of our names are on the lease. And this has made marriage and all the things we will do together in the future seem even more real than it was before.

And I’m thrilled because this means we can take our lives off hold and start living them again to the fullest. You don’t realize everything you want to do until you don’t have the means to do it. Or to get there, in my case.

This car situation has made me more cognizant of how we work together, as well as how we compromise. And I think it has made us both realize how lucky we are to have each other. Because I honestly don’t know what I would have done if this happened in my small town a few months ago.

I have the hope that one day, we will be a one-car family again. By choice. But for now, we can’t make that work. It isn’t possible in this city, where we live, where we work and where we play. Someday, though? I can see it happening.

If nothing else, I think we learned a lot about each other through this experience. And that almost makes the heartache, deliberations and overall headache worth it.

Almost.

                          

Friday night, I didn’t do anything. I was exhausted from a long day at work, and the meaty pasta sauce I created was perfect.

Saturday, we went to meet up with my oldest friend, Jordan. She and some friends decided to visit Nashville for the weekend, and we ended up walking around downtown and spending time at a local brewery, eating, drinking and catching up about everything. After leaving Jordan and her friends, we headed to a local bar to cheer on Vanderbilt against Kentucky. Unfortunately, the ‘Dores lost, but we had a fantastic time watching the game. And then we celebrated Valentine’s Day, complete with seared scallops and a blueberry gastrique. Saturday? Was perfect.

And then today, I woke up late and was served breakfast in bed. Instead of spending the entire day inside, we headed out into the balmy, sunshine-y day to start figuring out what gadgets, housewares, etc. for our wedding registry.  Afterward, we headed home to take a run with Lucy for the first time in ages. I spent the rest of the afternoon editing photos, and the boy watched the Olympics. Tonight? We’re watching ice dancing, and we think it is absolutely ridiculous. Today has been perfect.

Can tonight just last forever? Because this weekend has been too good to be true.

How was your weekend? What was the most exciting thing you did?

                          

Thanks, wedding planning. I love you and the fact that you’re getting me to where I need to be, but you stress me out sometimes.

(And judging by my tweets? It basically sounded like the end of the world. Which WASN’T THAT FAR OFF at the time, but having calmed down from the predicament, I realize I was maybe just a little dramatic. So y’all? I’m sorry for that. I didn’t mean to worry or scare y’all.)

Today? Was a lot better. Partly because it is a new day, partly because I got a lot of work done, partly because we bought groceries for the FIRST TIME in two weeks, partly because my mother won me a faux-diamond bracelet to wear at my wedding and unfortunately, not the bachelorette party bag… which might have made me laugh/cry, and partly — OK, mostly — because one of my friends is my new co-worker! And neither of us has any idea this was happening until around lunch today!

So hooray for today being so much better than yesterday.

I like how life works out like that.

What’s something positive that has happened to you today?

                          

I didn’t watch professional football growing up. My family didn’t have a team we supported, and neither did my city. I watched the Super Bowl solely for the commercials.

Something changed when I moved to Louisiana.

My junior year, Hurricane Katrina blew through New Orleans, leaving the entire city in shambles. And, again, something changed within me as I watched and helped the city rebuild itself. I started watching the Saints and hoped against hope that the team could invigorate a city in desperate need of a pick-me-up.

Since then, I’ve cheered on the Saints because, like the city they hail from, they have risen up against the odds. They’ve fought. And they’ve made so many people proud.

I watched the pregame show on ESPN this morning and sat on the couch with tears streaming down my cheeks as announcers showed clips of the city during Katrina and afterward. During the Saints’ season where they played their games elsewhere because the Superdome was damaged during the storm. During the first game back in the Superdome. And during this magical season.

I don’t know how to describe it, other than I’m in awe and cannot even grasp what unfolded tonight. It just seems so far-fetched. And if it’s far-fetched for me, an adopted Louisianan, you KNOW it has to be unbelievable for those fans who have been cheering for the Saints throughout the years.

The Saints won the freaking Super Bowl.

And I cried. A lot.

The only thing now is that I wish I was celebrating in the Crescent City tonight.

Good game, y’all, and good night.

                          

And I think I found the solution this morning.

Yes, that’s right. Pancakes.

(And, for the record, they have made this Super Bowl Sunday amazing, and it’s only 11!)

Homemade, totally-from-scratch Pancakes
Adapted from a random recipe on the Big Oven iPhone app

1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
2 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 C milk
2 eggs
1 T vanilla (or more because vanilla is awesome)
2 T vegetable oil

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, along with the two eggs (already beaten!) and vanilla. Whisk until batter comes together, but is lumpy. Be sure not to overmix.

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, and melt a little butter in the skillet. (You want just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.) Pour 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of batter into the pan and cook until numerous bubbles appear on the surface. Flip. Cook for another two minutes (give or take), then flip the pancake onto a plate. Serve with warm maple syrup.

…

I may or may not have promised the boy pancakes today earlier in the week without realizing what was going to happen last night. It was absolutely ridiculous, and while I’m still paying for it, these pancakes brightened my morning. And my day will continue to brighten as we start the gumbo, eat the gumbo and hopefully cheer the Saints on to victory. (Who dat!)

What is your favorite lazy Sunday breakfast?

                          

I’m super excited to get into the nitty gritty when I am done training, but I need y’alls help. In a HUGE way.

You see… my wardrobe is one of a photographer who had to be mobile in all kinds of weather conditions throughout the entire year. My clothes are functional, not necessarily stylish or cute. Because, hello! Standing outside in the Mississippi summer heat in something cute? Is miserable.

So, I have a proposition.

Recommend some cute work clothes for me. Nothing too casual, but nothing too fancy. Anything that looks like it could be functional in an office setting. And anything you think fits my personality.

… I need some major help with my personal style, and I know I can count on y’all for some killer suggestions.

Also, while you’re at it, recommend some of your favorite music! Because I can listen to my iPod while working, and I need some new tunes to get me through the work day.

OK… go!

                          

1. I went shopping with my mother at a bridal shop in Arkansas. We found and purchased my GOWN! (I’m still so surprised and oh-so-squeal-y about this that I’m sure it will get obnoxious quickly. But seriously? YAY! I have my dress!)
2. I made a decision on the church AND reception site! I called the minister who I would love to be our officiant. And we met with the executive chef who has some fantastic ideas for the evening! (And we can have kegs! AH! Because we’re totally classy.)
3. Along the same lines, we OFFICIALLY have a date.
4. My mother, sister and I made fast work of many bridal stores in Memphis. We learned that a certain, nationwide chain’s bridesmaid gowns aren’t so nice. We discovered that another chain’s gowns were more lovely in person. And we narrowed down the style we want. And pretty much figured out colors, too.
5. Last night, we started discussing music for the ceremony. Since I’ve played in many, many weddings, I’ve scrapped a lot of the traditional favorite pieces and am digging into my musical repertoire to find different songs, especially to walk down the aisle.
6. I’ve been asked to be a Bloggette! And my first post is officially up on the site!

This weekend? Has been so freaking productive it’s almost unbelievable. And I hope things continue to move forward smoothly.

This wedding planning process, while it has already made me cry a few times, WILL be an adventure, and I am so excited about everything pertaining to it.

Nine months to go, lovelies, and I cannot wait for October 30!

                          

The answer: Ummmm. Did you forget that WE ARE THE INTERNET?!?!!??! And also, Yes We Can!!!

The result: Brandy and your Hot Awesome Dude… this one’s for you.

Love, The Internet.

Soooo… without further ado…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Our Plea

Our friend Brandy is a brilliant writer, a wonderful teacher, and a generous friend.  And she is in love with a man who has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

We are raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund in his name.  For the price of a cinnamon dolce latte, half-caf, hold the whip, you can be part of an effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide.

Every dollar brings us a dollar closer to a cure.  And every donation brings a sliver of hope to a girl who needs all the hope she can get.

Where Your Money Goes

• The American Institute of Philanthropy recently named The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation one of the best organizations to give to in terms of their accountability and use of resources.
• By working closely with researchers, clinicians and partners in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, the MMRF has helped bring multiple myeloma patients four new treatments that are extending lives around the globe.
• The MMRF has advanced twenty Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. They need your support to advance these clinical research programs and accelerate the development of better, more effective treatments.
• The MMRF’s Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative recently became the first to sequence the multiple myeloma whole genome in its entirety.
• A whopping 98% of your donation to the MMRF will be used immediately to support high-priority multiple myeloma research.
• With diminishing funding for early stage drug development and the next myeloma treatments not expected to be approved until 2011, the MMRF desperately needs your help.

What can you do?

• Give. Be part of a worldwide effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide.  Every dollar helps.
• Pass it on. Forward this story to five people.  Share this blog post.  Become our fan on Facebook.
• Love harder. Life is short, love is unbending, and no one knows what could happen next. Tell someone you love them today.

DONATE: http://www.loveharder.org
CONTACT: theloveharderfund@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.loveharder.org
MORE INFO: http://www.themmrf.org

***

Let’s all take some time in our own lives to truly love those around us and love harder. And, while we’re at it, spread the love to Brandy and her man. Let’s lift up one of our own with prayers, hope, positive thoughts, contributions and above all else, love.

To the stars, friends,
E.P.