Give Me a Medal

I once read somewhere that "anyone who uses a stick of chapstick until the very end should be given a medal."

Let's face it. Chapstick is very lose-able. "If I had a dime for every chapstick I've called my own..." It falls out of your pocket, gets washed with your jeans, loses itself in the bottom of your purse, or often just mysteriously disappears. Chapstick is so elusive.

I spent much of high school as a Burt's Bees gal. I carried my Burt's Bees with me so much that I actually wore a hole in my pocket from carrying it around. Yet another way to lose your chapstick. Maybe I should switch up my jeans more often. In recent years, I'm more of a Whatever I Can Find gal.

Well, readers. Today I made it to the end of my current stick of chapstick. And unlike most chapsticks, this one has memories. You see, on June 11, 2010, I was on my way to Houston to celebrate the marriage of the Paynes. Not only did I forget my iPod for the long plane ride, but I also forgot my chapstick - which I think concerned me more. I needed my lips to look and feel good! And there's nothing that will make your lips dry out faster than being conscious of the fact that you have nothing with which to remoisturize them. So, I bit the bullet and purchased a stick of chapstick at Midway Airport for $5 (exaggeration...hah). It was a generic flavor, but you know how that generic flavor is so recognizable? It's that "red chapstick flavor." Not Burt's Bees. Not the tasteless white kind.

This chapstick was there for a weekend of wedding festivities and friendreunions. I used it on my way down to surprise friends in Nashville later that summer. It kept my lips moisturized through the chilly fall and start of winter. It travelled all the way to Namibia and back again. And today, it shall be tossed in the trash because I simply can't push my lips any farther down into it to get those last bits of moisture.

Alas, Trusty Generic Chapstick. You've been good to me. Here's to hoping I cherish every moment with my future chapsticks - from taking off their finicky plastic wrappings, to digging the last little bit of moisture out.

TIA Tuesday

I would like to refer you all to the growing First World Problems trend. Which is really just a rip off my TIA (This Is America) posts. Hah. But really, these things are all at once hilarious and sadly telling of the weird things we feel we struggle with every day. Reality check. Check out the many Twitter feeds of First World Problems. And if "TIA Tuesday" weren't so catchy and African, perhaps we'd call this FWP.

Being completely overwhelmed by my HUGE closets. Clearly, not a problem. But they're just so big...and in Namibia, my clothes and things had to live in piles on my bedroom floor. How do I fill two huge closets? Do I still need to buy other furniture? TIA.

Spending two days trying to get new plates and ID. Which seems absurd. Three and a half hours at the DMV?! But let's face it: trying to do that in Namibia would probably take weeks. TIA.

Being overwhelmed at the wide selection of products at the grocery store. This is still a problem? TIA.

Seeing jorts everywhere. Especially at the DMV. Where are all the normal people at the DMV? TIA.

Drinking tea with friends. TIA. I guess TIA(frica), too, depending what part of the continent you're in. Not as much in Namibia.

Idyll

According to the Oxford American Dictionary, an idyll is "an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one."

Close your eyes. Or wait...don't. On second thought, wait until the end to close your eyes. Unless, of course, someone is reading this post aloud to you.

You're sitting in the hallowed pews of the Ryman Auditorium. Historically Cool Since 1892. The Mother Church of Country Music. Elbow to elbow with 2362 of your closest friends. Enter: Alison Krauss & Union Station. Wait...let me say that again while you soak it in. Alison Krauss. Union Station. The Ryman Auditorium. Cue bluegrass jams, classic A. Krauss tunes, a nearly 15-minute dobro-only performance by Jerry Douglas, quips about electric toothbrushes and burping during songs, boots stomping on the wooden floors, whoopin' & hollerin', soul-wrenching harmonies, a weeping-worthy performance of "Your Long Journey," and an all-acoustic encore including "Down to the River"...a capella...in the Ryman...whoa.

Now close your eyes and repeat that all in your head. And try to keep yourself from falling out of your chair.

Idyllic, right? Welcome to Nashville.

Nashville Nugget No. 12 - Grimey's

Okay, okay, Nashville readers. I know what you're thinking. "Grimey's is NOT a restaurant!" You're right. It's not. But when Grimey's gives you free beer and a good time, it qualifies as a Nashville Nugget.

As an after work treat on Wednesday, I headed out with friends Fuchs and Paige to Grimey's for Gabe Dixon's CD release show. I first fell in love with Gabe Dixon's smooth vocals and enchanting piano riffs back in high school...back in the day when you could still download all his music for free from his website.

Glory be, you can still listen to this new album for free (for now) right here. And you should. Because my ears haven't stopped smiling since Tuesday.

But despite my appreciation for Gabe's music, I have never seen him perform live! Thank goodness times are a-changing, because I saw him this week and will get to see him again when he performs with Ten out of Tenn at Live on the Green in October.

What you need to know about Grimey's is this: it's a Nashville institution that sells new & preloved music. It's is located in a big ol' house on 8th Avenue and has bare brick walls and thousands of CDs, vinyls, DVDs, and more crammed into all its rooms. It's a bit overwhelming and overjoyful when you walk in, since there's so much to look at and listen to. Plus, they host in-store music events all the time, including gems like Gabe. This is a music-lover's heaven.

This being my first time ever to Grimey's, I perused the stacks while waiting for friends to arrive. I found a lot of intriguing CDs and was tempted to buy all the Patty Griffin records I could find. Thank goodness for not having much money, or I wouldn't have been able to resist.

About five minutes before The Man came on "stage" (aka in the small space that was cleared of stacks so he could play), the Grimey's staff announced that they had free beer for everyone. What?! After a long day at work, nothing could be more satisfying.

Gabe Dixon was phenom. It was so exciting to hear this voice I've listened to for almost 8 years finally come to life and be performing right in front of me. And to watch him play piano reinvigorated my love of playing and made me want a piano back in my life right now. However, we were a bit disappointed when Fuchs' friend Alison Krauss didn't join him on stage for their duet to "Even the Rain."

Grimey's is great. Gabe Dixon is great. Go enjoy both right now.

Grimey's is located on 8th north of Wedgewood at 1604 8th Ave South.

Nashville Nugget No. 11 - The Smiling Elephant

Y'all. College is back in session. What a joyful imposition it is. Joyful, because what's better than hoards of new freshmen from all of our colleges and universities falling in love with Nashville? Imposition because there are a lot of them going to our favorite places, eating our favorite foods, and using our favorite things.

Which has made me a little more angsty than usual. For example, finding a place to eat last weekend was unthinkable. Every place we tried to go, the lines were out the door or the wait was too long. We didn't even consider going to Burger Up after seeing upwards of 50 people outside their door on Friday. Needless to say, by the end of our search we were at our wits' ends and in desperate need of a meal.

That's when friends Jon & Shannon recommended a place called the Smiling Elephant. "It's Thai food!" they exclaimed. Thai food? Is that spicy? Do I like it? Have I had it before?

(I know I'm on a new "I'll try everything put in front of me" kick this year. I know I ate caterpillars, for Pete's sake. But when you combine late hours and a hungry belly, I'm a lot less enthusiastic about new things. I don't want to risk hating it and still being hungry.)

But to the Smiling Elephant we went. Along the way, they tried to pump me up by reminding me that Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban just ate there. I've been trying for FIVE YEARS to see them, but to no avail (yet). This was a good tactic for getting me excited.

As soon as we pulled into their parking lot and spied their quaint establishment, I had a feeling it'd be a good meal. They've converted an older house into a Thailand-inspired abode (not that I've been to Thailand nor eaten Thai food...not that I'm qualified at all to comment on this). We waited for one of their few (by few, I mean maybe eight) tables to open up while chuckling with the host and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the entrees on display.

I had no idea what to order. No idea. I know that I don't love love curry, despite them being known for it. So I ordered the Gai Jee, which was grilled marinated chicken with veggies and rice, while Shannon ordere the Pad Thai and Jon ordered the special curry dish.

I don't know if it was the late hour (they're open til 10!) and my hungry tummy, or the genuine goodness of this food, but it was delicious!!! We all cleaned our plates and bore smiles on our faces the entire meal. Plus, it was the perfect portion size - filling, but not too much to need a doggy bag - they kept the cold ice water coming all meal long, which are all great things in my book.

It is necessary to mention our hilarious waitress who, despite English not being her first language, was able to make us laugh like crazy with her sarcasm and humor. Perfect addition to a great meal.

They do take-out as well, for you home-loving foodies out there.

So go try it! Especially when you're looking for a place that none of the tourists or college kids will know about.

The Smiling Elephant is located off 8th Avenue nearish to Wedgewood at 2213 8th Ave South.

TIA Tuesday - Update from Namibia

Remember when I wrote about Amy's new classroom a few weeks ago? Well, things are continuing to move along and I've been itching all day to post an update!

Today, after the typical delays and frustrations in Rundu, Amy and the Ministry of Education delivered all the supplies for construction to the school! I am so encouraged and surprised by how quickly things are moving along and am thrilled to be writing this post! However, as I keenly know and am reminded of when I talk to Amy, it's not easy to do something this big in Namibia. So here are some ways you can be praying specifically for it:

- Bricks are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning - pray that they make it in a complete and timely manner and that the sand that is needed for construction arrives in the next few weeks
- Many community members need to be mobilized to actually make this building a reality. This includes colleagues at school, kids, parents in the community, and the Ministry. Pray that everyone works together and senses the urgency of this need.
- This is a huge and really exciting project because this school so desperately needs a classroom for these kids so they can actually learn well and safely. However, most people have had lukewarm reactions and aren't as excited as Amy hoped for. It's challenging to work as an American in Namibia because your above-and-beyond efforts are often taken for granted and certainly aren't acknowledged with the gusto of people in America. We're so used to being constantly encouraged, thanked, and recognized in America that it's hard to keep up the faith when you have none of that reinforcement. So this is a two-part prayer: pray that the Lord would stir the souls of everyone in the community to be pumped about this project, and pray that Amy continues to find support and joy in what she's doing.
- Pray for safety in construction, efficiency in work, and joy in the doing.

Once the building gets underway, it will take an estimated 20 days to be completed. I'll keep you posted as I hear more from across the pond, but in the meantime, please join me in praying for my dear friend, her school, her learners, and the community.

Needing the body of believers to surround you & encourage you even more when you're thousands of miles away. TIA.

If you ever want to send a note to Amy, send it my way and I'll pass it along. Remember that as my supporters, you're supporting her just as much as it is your provisions that are making this building a reality! Thanks for all you do.

Nashville Nugget No. 10 - Fox's Donut Den

Back story: I enjoy a good donut. I’m by no means a connoisseur. I do not frequent Dunkin’ Donuts every week. I’ve never bought a box of donuts at the grocery store. But truth be told, I did have weekly coffee dates at Krispy Kreme last fall (close proximity to work, not a love for K^2). And I did spend my entire first spring break of college gallivanting around NYC in search of the elusive Chocolate Cream Dunkin’ Donut.

So, when faithful blog reader Jon suggested a late, late night trip to Nashville’s Donut Den, I couldn’t resist. After all, we share an intense love for the aforementioned Chocolate Cream Donut. He wove tales about this particular Donut Den donut that was an unimaginable combination of donuts and cinnamon rolls and chocolate with butterflies on top.

Butterflies? What about unicorns? I questioned his sanity, too.

But Praise the Sweet Lord who knows donuts are best enjoyed at obscure hours of the night with good friends. Just before midnight, we ventured to Green Hills for my first ever Donut Den experience.

Spirits were high as we waltzed in announcing that it was my first time at the Donut Den. The guy at the counter may have been taken aback by this crazy girl bursting into his establishment late at night, but he stood his ground as I ooh-ed and ahh-ed at what donuts were remaining at the end of the day. Suddenly, I heard a gasp from Jon and friend Niki at the other end of the counter as they spotted one remaining Butterflies & Unicorns Cinnamon Rolls Chocolate Donut Creation (not its actual name, obviously…or maybe it is?). Only one, but thankfully it’s huge and Jon was feeling generous enough to share.

This donut was amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like it, and frankly I don’t even know how to describe it, nor do I know its name, although I think the guys working there recognize it if you ask for the Butterfly Donut. There wasn't even a butterfly on it...but maybe there normally is? We also had a maple donut, classic glazed, a delicious chocolate glazed cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, and a few others that went into our bellies too quickly to remember. Y’all, their chocolate frosting can’t be beat.

Eight donuts and three full bellies later, we waddled out of the Donut Den. I don’t know about the other two, but after placing my precious remaining donuts in the fridge for breakfast later that week, I plopped into bed and slept happily.

Full bellies. Happy hearts. Nothing better.

Fox's Donut Den is located near Green Hills at 3900 Hillsboro Road and is open from 5 or 6 in the morning until midnight every day!