obsession with television..

I'm going to start with a few of my FAVORITE television characters! These photos will give you a slight idea at my obsession.

My absolute FAVORITE Television show ever!

Jack Bauer- Basically the worlds greatest BAMF. Sorry, no better way to say it!

This one is for my husband, he thinks she hangs the moon. I think he's pretty fly too. :)



FNL- i heart coach taylor!

Will is my hero!!!

Haley James Scott is an amazing human, mom, singer, teacher, wife, and the real person who plays her is just as cool.

For a split second Bailey makes me want to be in medical field just to be taught by someone like her!

The most wonderful television Mom ever!!! She's all over her children's business but only great Mom's are!

I hung out with my good friends Lisa, Rhonda, and Allison this weekend, I had a total revelation of why I am addicted to Television, it's all about relationships!!!! I'm obsessed with relationships, i don't get into movies because its fleeting. I only get maybe 2 hours with the characters then its over, unless there is a sequel and even then it's NEVER better than the first, except Home Alone and hopefully Sex and the City 2 (which spawned from a really great TV show!!!). Anyway, back to Television, I can have 24-27 hours with these people in one season, I feel enthralled in their lives, and they are for SURE part of mine. I love every part about the 43 minutes you spend with versatile characters and seeing their lives change in fiction. Knowing people actually write this stuff for a living is amazing, it has to come from real life experiences and heartbreaks, breathtaking.

Sunday night, I was watching the season finale of Brothers and Sisters, I knew what was going to happen in the end (because i'm a spoiler freak), my husband came downstairs and found me hysterically balling. He said nothing, and just held me, he's a keeper, have I mentioned that lately?

I'm slightly embarrassed to make this list, but I'm not ashamed for my love of Television, all are DVR'd and only a few of them I actually sit down and watch at the exact time they come on. I would LOVE to work as a blogger or critic for television, my heart longs for character evolutions, ordinary life experiences, and love, especially love. I regularly enjoy talking about television too, luckily I work in an office of girls and between all of them, I watch most shows they watch. Don't hate on my love of television, I work a bajillion hours a week when I travel, I work out regularly, I have a very healthy marriage and we don't have any kids, so i'm justifying my love for the TV and my sweet friends who live inside of it. So, here's the list, just in case you wanna talk about some TV.

• Brothers and Sisters- I feel as though i am the youngest walker.
  
• One Tree Hill- I was a little disappointed with Peyton and Lucas left, but this season was still amazing, its still my dream to have a beach house near Wilmington.
  
• Gossip Girl- this is occasional and only through netflix


• 24- the one TV show my husband and i watch every week when it airs. great bonding!


• Dancing with the Stars- i only dvr this one and Justin and I watch Erin Andrews and that's it


• American Idol- again dvr'd and fast forward to lee and crystal


• Glee- just recently discovered this one...from a band geek in high school its aaaaamazing!


• Grey's Anatomy- A lot of people left this following, I'm still very much in love with Meredith and McDreamy, amazing writing on this show!
  
• Friday Night Lights- this is a real "real life" show to me, i long for the high school kids in this show because i feel like Ive mentored a few of them in real life.


• The Bachelor/Bachelorette- a lot of people bash this show, it's television, how much is actually "real" so i take it as a comedy show, and it does NOT disappoint ever time!!!


• The Hills- again my husband LOVES this show too, we watch every week, luckily this piece of trash is going off the air this year!!!


• The Young and the Restless- i can thank my Mamaw for this one, i would go over to her house for lunch when school was out for the day and she would ALWAYS catch me up on Y&R, i still watch it pretty regularly, you can miss a few episodes a week and still be caught up.


• Occasionally I will flip on some Bravo or HGTV, Real Housewives, Rachel Zoe, Project Runway, House Hunters, My First Home, but no dedication here.
  
• Other shows I've loved in year's past, Gilmore Girls, Dawson's Creek, Friends, and Sex and the City.

• SPORTS- I can't leave out all the countless hours of sports we watch in my household too!!! College and Pro, baseball, basketball, football, golf, and of course sportscenter.

Thanks Friends! Have a happy week!

-LCG

from New York to Wyoming....

Two weekends ago, I spent a fabulous weekend in New York City with some of my BEST friends!! Tara, Alli, Kate, Misty, Meredith, SK, and I all spent a few days shopping, eating, theatre(ing), baseballing, and walking....LOTS of walking!!! New York is the most unique city in the world. Each block or neighborhood is a completely different culture. Something you can't get anywhere else in the world!!! Compliments of Tara, who along with Kate took GREAT pictures of our time in New York, I wanted to share our memorable trip.

Our first night, Tara and I met up with our Mars friends Phil, Derek, and Brian. Derek had a longtime friend who is a New York City Firefighter. We were able to claim in truck, try on their gear, and see a beautiful September 11th memorial. The whole time we were there, our hearts were racing, thinking at any moment the siren would go off and these firefighters would put their lives on the line. I have so much respect for these guys and firefighters all over the world.

A trip to NYC wouldn't be complete without a trip to M&M's world. We bought a few packs of the NEW M&M's Pretzels, coming to a store near you soon! These packs satisfied us all weekend.

Walking through Times Square, this beautiful dress was in the window. If you look closely, the whole thing is made of Peanut M&M's packages. AMAZING!

We took a beautiful stroll through Central Park on Saturday.

Then, Alli informed us her Great-Aunt had won an Academy Award, so we took a little visit to Aunt Pat's apartment, and did some serious photo taking with our little friend Oscar. Alli's Aunt is movie star Patircia Neal, who was in Breakfast at Tiffany's, many other Alist movies, and won the very first Tony Award.

Theme Shot: Your name was just called at the Academy Awards!!!!!

Alli, Tara, Kate, and I went to see "Rock of Ages" Amazing 80's music. Baby would have actually LOVED this Broadway show, and it was BYOB into the theatre!!!

This picture doesn't fully capture the situation in Times Square. Here is our take on the Times Square bombing incident. The group had just split up, Tara and I wanted to catch the end of the Kentucky Derby and the start of the NASCAR race, so we hurried to ESPN Zone in Times Square. The other group made their way to Pinkberry and off to the hotel before our shows. My phone had died earlier that day, so i stayed pretty close to someone in our group of girls the whole time. Tara and I left ESPN Zone in desperate need to find a Yankees shirt for Sunday's game. After leaving a few stores, we noticed the NYPD were surrounding the Marriott Marquette Hotel in Times Square, i of course walked up to a NYPD cop and politely asked what was going on. Of course, not knowing there was a car bomb just one block over. He looked at me and yelled sternly keep moving!!!! My first thought was maybe it was Obama, maybe he was coming to see the White Sox who were in town playing the Yankees. What else would make them close off ALL of Times Square on a Saturday night? We met up with Tara's friend Marissa who lives in NYC and ate dinner before heading to see our show. After we left our show, we headed back to meet up with the other girls right outside of Times Square. News reporters and cameras flooded the area we were in. We stopped to listen to a reporter do her 11pm news and confirmed it was an act of Terrorism in NYC. After hearing all the reports that have surfaced since that night, we would have been in serious danger had the bomb went off. Tears fill my eyes now just thinking about God's grace and His perfect plan. I feel God was looking down on that city and the NYPD who responded so rapidly. My praise and admiration goes to the Lord who wrapped those men and women with courage and who fought for my life and the lives of my dear friends. I pray for peace for our country, and those who plan these malicious attacks and I'm greatly thankful.

On a lighter note, Tara was able to see her FIRST Professional Baseball game on Sunday. Kate and I shared the traditional hotdog and beer and we all enjoyed a Sunday afternoon baseball game with our new New York friends!!! Did i mention the ice cream?? The BEST ice cream EVER. As you can see, mine is completely gone!!

WYOMING!!!!!

My life changes quickly, and this is the perfect example. I flew back from NYC on Sunday night and left first thing Wednesday morning for Sheridan, WY. I met my co-worker Kyle in Denver. I also saw a really old friend from Young Life camp, Austin Strelinger. He is a pilot for Great Lakes Airlines and travels from Denver to Billings. A true blast from the past, Austin was a dear friend one summer at Sharp Top Cove. It was great to see him and catch up on life. Young Life will ALWAYS follow you, i love that!!! As you can see from the photo above, Sheridan welcomed us with a little bit of May snow. Not the perfect weather for a soccer tournament but we worked with it. I visit Wyoming three times of year, the first is for a Dog Sled Race, the second is the Snickers Big Horn Soccer Tournament, and the third is the Sheridan WYO Rodeo.

Saturday morning kick off with snow on the ground, but ended up being really cold and windy all day. Like everyone else in the world, the people of Wyoming LOVE free candy and Ice Cream!! We gave away thousands of samples of candy and ice cream, and it's one of my favorite things about my job.

This is a sweet picture of U10 girls who just won 3rd place, they couldn't have been happier!!! We work with amazing people in Sheridan, and they are a pleasure to work with. It is a nice break from the NASCAR world.

The next few weeks are jam packed in Charlotte with races, weddings, concerts, festivals, and lots of other activities. I can't wait for May to be over!!!

NASCAR life and MORE!

When I moved to Charlotte and started working at Elevation, I never thought I would see and do the things I've done so far. A lot of people ask me what my job is, basically i'm an event planner and professional problem solver. I work primarily on NASCAR, but I also manage three other events in Wyoming (soccer, rodeo, and a dog sled race). By far the best things are not the places, it's the people! I'm so blessed to have met my amazing husband and some really wonderful friends along the way. I'm not much of a writer, so here are a few snapshots of my NASCAR life and beyond while at Elevation. These pictures are all really fun, but I promise there is actual work involved in all these events!

I met my amazing husband at a race in Miami!! This photo was taken the very first night we were "set up."

Me, Patty, Kyle, and Laura Ehret in Wyoming for the Soccer Tournament in 2008.

My sweet little cowkids, sorry its so blurry! Sheridan, WY 2008

I turned Kiki on to NASCAR in college, she's soo hooked!

Maybe one of my favorite pictures EVER, Dierks, Me, Kasey, and Marty Smith
Dierks concert in Atlanta!

LC: Hi Tim, I have to tell you, I'm a VOL
Tim: It's ok, No one's Perfect!!
Me, Tim Tebow, and Tara in Daytona

Alli and I hanging in the Combos suite in Phoenix, working HARD!

Victory Lane in Bristol with the #18 crew.

This picture is significant in my career because I spent HOURS on the phone with every paper in Alaska trying to find a picture of this dog from the IDITIROD, and we all know how much I love dogs!!

Laura and I in -5 degree weather in Jackson Hole, WY for the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) 2009.

Tara, Liz, Me, and Carrie at my wedding!! These are some of my favorite NASCAR girls!

Elevation Tacky Christmas Sweater Party 2009.

Most Colorful Fan Promotion in Bristol 2008. This photo was to show my husband i was a Jr. fan...only for the day!

The weirdest night in Indy when we all showed up for dinner and were wearing the same thing, in different variations, gotta love Elevation!

Speed Street 2008- M&M's

Sweet Rhonda and I on my first trip to San Francisco, at the Golden Gate Bridge

Standing on the spotter's stand in Phoenix, the absolute BEST place to watch a race.

Elevation girls at Penny's wedding!

Representing all of our drivers in Bristol.

If you haven't seen this picture before, it's really ME in the Green Costume. I dressed up for the Charlotte race in 2007 and took some pictures with fans in the NASCAR garage.

Little League World Series 2007, my favorite part about LLWS are the kids from Japan! The only English words they know are "Please" and "Thank You" ...refreshing!

Dressing up in David Gilliland's Drivers Suit pretending I was a NASCAR driver with my friend Jess!!!! What a fun day in the office! :)


Can't wait to share MANY MANY more memories with you all.

Bristol Baby!

BRISTOL!!!!!!!!!!!

I was proud to grow up in Johnson City. I had a little bit of arrogance when I would say I went to "Science Hill" like it was some amazing top-notch school, for the Tri-Cities maybe it was...for sports and the band! :) We were so much better than Tennessee High in Bristol and Dobyns Bennett in Kingsport.

When I joined the NASCAR circuit, I quickly realized I had to tell people I was from Bristol for them to understand where Johnson City was. In NASCAR, EVERYONE knows BRISTOL!

Bristol for so many reasons is a magical place. I started going to races when I was 5. I think I even slept through a few. My parents loved taking us to Bristol, and I loved it more than my sister. I knew all the drivers numbers and names when I was 7. I make fun of my husband for being a NASCAR fan, when secretly I am too! In my childhood years it was a place of fun, family, and tailgaiting.

For my adult years, it was a beginning. I got the opportunity to work with some of the most kind hearted people and learn a lot about the NASCAR business world. I started as an Intern helping out my good friends Stacy and Joni. I did a lot of random things at Bristol, helped with the campgrounds, managed the front desk, and made A LOT of copies! I loved being an intern because I could learn. There are a few SPECIAL things I LOVE about Bristol.

1. Jeff Byrd-You can't talk about Bristol without talking about Jeff Byrd. I've been to 20 of the 22 tracks the Sprint Cup Series races at. No other track is as well run as Bristol. Some may say I'm biased and maybe I am, but Bristol has an ambiance like no other. If you don't love the beautiful God-made mountains, you'll love the people! Everyone has a gentle spirit, and that all started with Jeff's vision for Bristol. Pleasing the Fans, from having a full time staff who is souly dedicated to helping fans and listening to what the fans want from Bristol to innovating a race track that gets them the closest access to NASCAR's most famous faces. Jeff's mantra is "exceed expectations" for EVERYONE. Jeff wasn't at the race in Bristol this Spring for medical reasons. Thoughts and prayers for his family were given all over the garage and I especially have to say I'm praying for strength and peace for the whole Byrd family.

2. Lee Greenwood- Anyone who came to my wedding after-party KNOWS i'm not the only one who LOVES Lee Greenwood. All of my precious bridesmaids and friends belted out with lyrics with pride. He was in Bristol this past weekend, he sang my favorite song and he lead the whole crowd in the pledge of allegiance. I mean NO where else does that!!!

3. Family- Bristol is a racetrack on the circuit that I can come home and sleep in the house I slept in for 22 years. When I come home, I'm able to spend time with my sister and her family, my sweet 100 year old Mamaw, my wonderful parents, and friends that always drop their schedules when Justin and I come to go out for a few drinks.

4. Taylor- I'll be the first to admit, Kyle Busch is not my favorite person in the world and he gets a lot of flack for being a "bad boy" but sometimes like last fall, he becomes a real person. I met this little boy named Taylor last year who was born with his bladder on the outside of his body. He's had many surgeries and will continue to have surgeries for most of his life, and he LOVES Kyle Busch. Most kids love Kyle because they love M&M's, Taylor simply loves Kyle. His racecar pajamas are what get him through his surgeries and playing with his cars after surgery are what help him cope through the pain after. Last year, I was humbled to plan a meeting with some help from Food City for Taylor to meet his idol. Taylor was a bit nervous, but when I picked him up on the M&M's golf cart he had one thing on his mind KYLE. He talked about Kyle winning at Bristol and how he KNEW he was going to WIN, and that he was going to win for him. When we arrived at Kyle's motorcoach, he was speechless, as most of us would be if we met our celebrity idols. Kyle won the race that night, and after Victory Lane, media interviews, and a photos, he walked out the tunnel of Bristol and Taylor was there wide awake well after midnight. Kyle ran over to Taylor gave him a hug and told him he won the race for him. Taylor was right about him winning and winning for HIM. Kyle didn't have to go talk to him about the race, but he did and for a moment he made someone's little life a little better. Taylor and Kyle in Bristol in August 2009.

I get to travel and do a lot of really cool things with my job, but I have to say meeting Taylor is at the very top. He's a brave little boy and has amazing parents who simply love and encourage him everyday.

I really wanted to share just a few of the special things I LOVE about Bristol!

Home Improvement...Not just a great show from the 90's

It's amazing what a sander, a little paint and primer, and a few trips to your local home improvement store can do for your self esteem.

In my first few months of marriage I've learned more about myself than I had anticipated. I thought moving in with a boy and starting a marriage I would have to learn more about Justin and how he lives. God of course has a sense of humor and I've learned much more about me and how I live than anything. I'm NOT a great cook, I have a burning desire to be like Amy Speropulos or Erin Williams, but I'm just not getting there. I've burnt some of the most simple things, eggs, chocolate chip cookies, chili, and I can't even talk about my crockpot disaster!!!

I just don't have Rachel Ray in me, but I sure do have a little Bob Villa!!! I decided it was time for a little DIY home project. Justin has been out of town for the past two weekends and I've been talking about redoing or giving away his old beat up dresser. So, I did a little research! I've learned from Rhonda King Gilbert to research EVERYTHING! After reading lots of different DIY websites, I decided to go for it. With my husbands permission and my full disclosure on it may not be perfect, I made a little trip to my local home improvement store.

My Dad and husband are both perfectionists and I knew from the beginning it wasn't going to be good enough, but I didn't care. I needed some redepemtion from my burnt cooking episodes!

My first mistake was the I didn't take a proper "before" picture! But you get the idea. This was Justin's dresser from college and when he lived with Colin and Bayless. And who knows where it was before Justin. It's been around!

Thankfully we have a huge garage and I have lots of room to spread out. I started by purchasing a sander, I went with the middle of the road sander, nothing too fancy. I also purchased 80 and 120 grit sandpaper. I opted for spray primer as I don't LOVE to paint. And I went with a semi-gloss paint, and a glossy black spray paint for the finish. All and all the trip was around $75, that included the sander that I will definitely use again and again.

After sanding for about an hour, I sprayed down the dresser with the primer and let it sit for about 2 hours. I'm overly cautious when waiting for paint to dry. After completing a few other house chores I was ready to actually put paint on the dresser! I started at the top and worked my way down with long strokes in the direction of the wood grain. This is where I got really nervous.

If anyone ever went to my house on Myrtle and used my bathroom, you know that I am NOT a Picasso painter. I left paint tape on my wall for two years. So, with this project I HAD to finish it and I really wanted it to be half way decent.

I waited a few days for the paint to dry and took another visit to the home improvement store to decide on new hardware. I could not make a decision without Justin. He has amazing taste and I wanted him to feel involved in the project. We finally made it over there yesterday at lunch. I've been chomping at the bit to get this thing finished and out of the garage. Especially since its been taking up MY parking space.

So.....HERE IT IS!!! My special project! :) My Dad and Justin are both very proud! And what a great feeling to complete a project and save a little money. This will be a precious piece of furniture everyone can come see when they stay in our guest room.