224/365

baby shower #8. max frizsell, can't wait to meet you.

223/365

Nevermind that I've watched 4 seasons in less than 3 weeks. Never mind that I wake up thinking I'm living in Dillon, Texas. Nevermind that I get goosebumps on an average of 4-5 times per episode. Nevermind that I cry at least once every 3-4 episodes. Nope, Friday Night Lights is not a show. Friday Night Lights is an alternate reality in which I have been living for some time now. And it has wrecked my world. *hence the absence of blog activity

Thanks to DVR, OnDemand and premium non-cable channels, I have become an avid television watcher in the past 3-4 years. But never, never, NEVER have I been so consumed with a group of characters. I mean, I love my Don Draper (MadMen), my Ari Gold (Entourage), my Larry David (Curb), my Dexter, my Nurse Jackie, my Walter & Jessie (Breaking Bad)......shall I continue? And, if you understood how much I meant that sentence then you would understand how big of a deal this next one is. I love these people more: Jason Street, Matt Saranson, The Taylor's, Buddy Garrity, Lyla Garrity, Tyra, and MOST importantly...TIM RIGGINS. GO #33!

I have always been one to prefer reality to a fantasy, the bitter truth over some dillusional happy ending. And it seems as thought this show captures the raw essence of the heart of America. To say it takes me back to my childhood would be an understatement. More specifically, it consistently and accurately portrays the people of my childhood. The way that Connie Britton talks to her daughter about sex is frightening familiar. The way that Jason Street looks at Lyla Garrity is also frightening familiar. The way Matt Saranson becomes the man of the house is frightening familiar. And the way I feel when Tim Riggins does anything, well, that is frightening familiar :) Basically, I have lived this show.

But what's more is that I have NOT lived for the past 3 weeks because of this show. My social life, my personal life and my career have all suffered. So, I'm happy to announce that I have watched the entire series and am back to reality. Which comes with the current mourning period I am experiencing. I know I sound like a lunatic when I say this, but I miss all my friends. I feel like they've all died. Feel free to send cards and casseroles to our house this week. I'll be ill...

222/365

A little party on the patio.

And, Kenny, congratulations. You made your first Flip Project cameo. Thiele will be jealous, I'm sure.

221/365

I'm been sitting here for a minute or two trying to figure out the best way to describe this steady overflow of gratitude that's been in affect all day. Here goes...

Most of my life is spent either thinking about a moment that just happened or the one that is about to happen. What do I think about what this person just said? What am I going to say when they quit talking? Where am I going when this is over? How do I feel about what just happened? You get my drift. This is good AND bad. Good because a life unexamined isn't a life lived. But it's bad because it distracts me from the current second that God just handed me. And when you're not fully engaged in the moment you miss the beauty of it.

Today wasn't like that. I felt like every minute was a rediscovery of the blessings in my life. At every turn was another face of someone who God has used to shape me. First, an amazing morning at Crosspoint where I found myself thinking "this music alone...these voices in unison...are proof enough that God loves us." And then there was this great message about community and how we should celebrate people without reservations, which sparked a much-needed revelation about myself, but that's another story. It was beautiful. And then I found myself surrounded by people I respect, love, cherish on the way out. Then I was on this bike ride with someone whom I have one of the most precious relationships of my whole life. And then I was sharing a meal with 8 amazing women, all celebrating the future Juliet Huebner. (yes, #7.)

And the thing is, none of these things are out of the ordinary. It was just that I was seeing them all through a different lens. Same world, different girl. Isn't that the truth.

220/365

Wanna have a baby soon? Become friends with me. Apparently, having me in your life is the only common denominator I can come up with to explain this epidemic. (Didn't I just use that word a couple days ago? Probably using it out of context. Oh well. It feels right. That's what she said. Completely inappropriate.) Focus, Nicolle. Focus. Today marks the 6th baby shower I've attended this summer. Congrats to Jessica Douglas....and Ashley Huebner. Her shower is tomorrow. Yep, that's 7. Like I said.....epidemic.

P.S. I'm not next. I know you just started typing that in the comment box.

219/365

If eating fried food was a sport, somebody I know would be an Olympian. You name it, he ate it. fried butter, Twinkies, Snickers, Oreos, homemade ice cream, bbq pork, sausage, corn dog. Should I continue?

218/365

It is just stupid how much talent is in this town. We went to see the Jompson Brothers play tonight with a crew of crazies. They were so good they caused a sudden hiccup epidemic. Luckily, I'm a home remedy buff.