Being 32 and single, has its advantages, but it also has its challenges. And although I am sure past generations have had it worse, today’s “Internet Age” adds a new host of relational pitfalls – namely communicating online and via text messages instead of over the phone or hand-written letters (remember those?) and meeting prospective suitors on FaceBook, MySpace, and internet dating sites instead of at cotillion, blind dates, and sorority formals.

None of these things are bad. It just seems like today we are trying to navigate a path that is a little less clear. That is why I want your opinion on something, something that makes me a little (a lot) uncomfortable, internet dating.

And by your opinion, I mean what would you do if you were in my shoes. Not what you think I should do, as you sigh under your breath that you wouldn’t be caught dead doing it. (I am talking to you, married people. I am on to you – you are famous for giving advice to your single friends that you would NEVER follow yourself.) (more…)

Please tell me that I am not the only one that yelled at the TV as they watched Friday’s episode of Oprah. On Friday, Oprah (@oprah) and her “Friday Live” friends, talked to Ashton (@aplusk) and Evan Williams (@ev) about Twitter.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch, check it out here:

Here is why I got frustrated watching the segment: (more…)

This morning on the way to work, I rediscovered Joshua Radin. (I have been a fan for several years, but recently took a break because I went through a period I where was listening excessively, and I do mean excessively.) He is so talented. This song is so beautiful. And the lyrics are POWERFUL.

Here are the lyrics (so you don’t have to listen four times like I did to catch all the goodness): (more…)

Last night, I returned home after being gone almost a week. And as much as I loved my week with the family at the beach, it was nice to be home. (Or at least back in Nashville, as I expressed here there is some confusion for me about where home is.)

There are times when I have dreaded returning after a vacation. But not this time, and here’s why: (more…)

I am in North Carolina for a few days with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nieces -  Macon, Anne Shelton, and Kate. Today we are heading to the beach. I can’t wait!

I thought you might enjoy how we started our day yesterday. I love how kids start their day with loads of energy!

My favorite part is listening to them giggle at themselves at the end

How do you like to get your day started?

“The Noticer Project is a worldwide movement to “notice” five of the most influential people in your life! Noticing those five people can be as private (just a letter or email) or as public (posting to your Facebook page or joining The Noticer Project Facebook group) as you choose, but the movement is meant to encourage us to step outside our busy schedules and avoid waiting until a wedding, graduation or even a funeral to take notice of the special, influential people in our lives. By noticing those who have made a difference for you, you not only acknowledge their contribution, but you may gain a new perspective on your own journey. If you are noticed, you are encouraged to continue the movement by ‘noticing’ five people in your life!”

Andy Andrew's new book The Noticer - In Store April 28th

Below are five people who have made a difference in my life. I am thankful for each of them, more than they know, and that is why I am excited to have this opportunity to share with them the impact that they have had on me.

But first, a couple of disclaimers:
1. This is going to be a rather long post, but I hope you will stick with me.
2. I have not included any family members. As you can imagine, they have definitely been among the most influential people in my life, but I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize some people outside of my clan. Mom, Dad, Marcie, Honey, Stephen, Macon, Anne Shelton, Kate…I love you all and look forward to getting the opportunity to “be” with you this week at the beach. (more…)

Much to my mother’s dismay, I don’t cook a lot, or really at all. My mother hasn’t given up on me yet. She continues to stock my kitchen with cooking utensils and serving dishes and my bookshelves with cookbooks. She faithfully believes that if I would just start cooking, then I will be a master chef and I will love it.

This is just a few of my cookbooks. I have more, a lot more.

I hate (hate, hate) to admit it, but she may be right (at least about the me loving it part.) The last two Saturdays, I have attended parties where everyone was responsible for bringing something and I did something surprising. I opted out of the easy go tos – plasticware, chips, ice, sodas – and I decided I would actually cook something, like with an oven. (more…)

Actually not probably, this is definitely not politically incorrect but I used to joke and say I have “Singing Tourette’s.” (Tourette Syndrome is a medical condition that causes uncontrollable and repetitive motor or vocal tics.) But what I was really (poorly) trying to say is that, there are times when I get random and uncontrollable urges to belt out a song’s lyrics. The urge builds until I sing a line or two (who am I kidding, a chorus or two) which causes those around me to wince at the sound of my not-so-angelic voice.

I enjoy a wide range of musical genres — folk, country, rock, r&b, and alternative — mostly because I pay more attention to the lyrics than the melody. To me a well-crafted song tells a story, takes me on an adventure, reminds me of days past, or emits raw emotion.

Here is a list of few songs I love:

Drive-In Movies and Dashboard Lights by Nanci Griffith

Landed by Ben Folds

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Luckily, I have always been someone who embraced change. I say luckily because my world has changed a lot. Over the last 32 years, I have changed schools, cities, workplaces, job functions, homes, cell phone numbers, and friends.

My first real experience with change was when I was elementary school. My family moved the summer between 3rd and 4th grade and I had to change schools. It was traumatic. I made the change, but there was plenty of kicking and screaming (Literally kicking and screaming, usually my classmates).  But life went on, I made new friends, and I realized that change wasn’t so bad. More recently, at my last employer, Books-A-Million, in five years I had five different roles (Special Events Manager, Assistant Buyer, Buyer, Director of Special Events and Director of Advertising and Promotions). Man, did we waste some business cards! But I learned a ton, worked for some amazing people, and the depth of experience I accumulated has been wonderful for my career.

Candidly, even though I embrace the process of change, sometimes I do not enjoy the effects of change. And when that happens, I really have to work at staying positive and trying to find the good in the situation. There is always good in the situation, whether it be personal growth or strengthened faith. (more…)

As I scarfed down my Chick-Fil-A lunch, I started thinking. (I know, you are probably pretty impressed right now at my incredible multi-tasking.) I started thinking, about how fast food restaurants are like old friends. Pretty deep thoughts, over a chicken sandwich and fries.

I am blessed with some incredible friends and each one is unique; each one plays a special role in my life. I need each of them at different times.  Kristie plays the big-sister and work-mentor role; Carey Martin is the go-to for nights on the town or hour-long phone conversations (any hour day or night); Rami listens when I need to complain (about just about anything);  Mindy always takes my side (even when I am wrong); Mary Helen tells me like it is (even when I don’t want to hear it); Courtney, around since middle school, puts everything in perspective; and The Normans are always up for a good-deep philosophical conversation. This is just a sampling, I could go on and on.

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