Went to Chattanooga.. but didn't see the Choo Choo.

I got a way for a long day trip. My cousin Lois from California is here and us ladies hopped in the rental car and cruised to Chattanooga for the day. We hiked to an underground waterfall.. and then hit the Chattanooga Aquarium, which is ranked in the top 10 of the United States. It was so much fun.. here are some highlights.

The Next Biggest Loser.

Okay everybody. I'm auditioning for the Biggest Loser. I'm really doing it. I need your input and ideas for my ten minute audition video. So, get back to me. :D

The First Fake Tree I've Ever Owned.

We bought our Christmas tree today. Its the first fake tree I've ever owned, but fresh trees are astronomical here, and its not like I can hike in to the woods around here and cut one down. It still is pretty.. and its beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here.

A TN Thanksgiving...

I did miss Oregon a little bit.. and my family when I called home on Thanksgiving Day.. but I didn't go without celebrating ALL I am thankful for.. and part of that being the "family," I have here in Thanksgiving. Maria and I cooked a Thanksgiving meal and had some of our close friends over to share it with..

Thanks Walmart and Ruby for Keeping us warm!

Hey Ruby, thanks for my beanie (and thanks beka for sending it!) it warmed my heart to have a little piece of Oregon today, and my head in the cold Tennessee weather! Also, Walmart donated a bunch of winter jackets for our kids, we got those today... everyone was so warm, and thankful! Oooh.. just in time for Thanksgiving!

Do the Red thing... Bono is doing it.

So, I had my Starbuck's employee holiday meeting today. You know to beef up on all our holiday promotion's and the like. We found out that Starbuck's just entered in to a one year partnership with the Red Campaign Global Fund. Bono's foundation to help stop the three largest killers in Africa. AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Starting the day before Thanksgiving, Starbuck's will be donating a nickel from every sale on one of our holiday drinks to the global fund. I love working for Starbuck's.. they really are a cool company! So, help Africa, go out and get yourself an Espresso Truffle, Peppermint Mocha Twist, or a Gingersnap Latte today!

The Franklin Starbucks..

So they are pretty much regulars. I think 3 out of 5 mornings a weeks makes you a regular. Each time I have been completely star struck.. I haven't been able to say anything.. I really want to ask to take my picture with them, but I hated to ask because, 1. Nicole wasn't really done up (no make-up, sweat pants, etc.) and 2. They were just husband and wife trying to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Maybe someday soon I'll get up the nerve to ask.

Rock the Vote.

So I did it.. I got out and voted in Tennessee. Its different here, I actually had to go out to the "booths," although they were really booths, but touch screen computers. It was really cool. I did my civic duty.. and you should too! How exciting!

New Short Hair!

Here are the results of the new haircut! :D

Our Own Little Stars Hollow...

For those of you that have seen Gilmore Girls, I feel like I live in my very own Stars Hollow. Franklin is so adorable. It is historic, quaint, and it always has crazy little festivals going on like the starlight festival, or the fall festival in Stars Hollow. Today, Maria and I ventured out to see Franklin's very own Pumpkin Festival. It was awesome. There was festival food, lots of people, plenty of costumes, and oh yes, lots of pumpkins. We met my friend Eileen (I met her on project in Chicago) and her husband David. Here are some pics.

I think I'm going to cut my hair??

I've decided I need a short and sassy teacher cut.. all I ever do is put my hair up now that I work with 4 year olds.. so I did some searching.. I think this is the cut I'm going to get.. and I think I found a trusted stylist here in Franklin...

I GOT THE JOB!!!

I got the job everyone! I start Monday. Here is a picture of the adorable little Starbucks I'll be working at!

My Upcoming SNL Favorite Female...

So, every time I watch this lady in a skit, I almost pee my pants. Here are a few of my favorite recent videos of her.

Barista Baby?

Hey Everyone..

I just had my second interview at Starbucks today, I should know by Friday if I got the job. I'm hoping to work at this specific store, because it is in adorably cute, historic downtown Franklin, not to mention really cool celebs like Keith Urban, Nicole and the baby, Miley Cyrus, and Carrie Underwood come in all the time. Other celebs to be spotted downtown, Jessica Simpson, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.. so I just think it would be fun to work there.. not to mention, I would get benefits, and a little extra cash, all the Starbucks I can drink (which will allow for some extra spending money in my budget) and a pound of coffee a week! Say a little prayer for me!

Nashville During The Day..

I have yet to get downtown Nashville during the day to see all the tourist stuff. I've been here for almost two months now.. I finally got down there.. here are some of the highlights!