ChatterBox Christie

Saying Goodbye to ChatterBox Christie

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:47:00 +0000

About two weeks after I wrote my most recent post, I pulled up my blog and discovered that every single image was missing.
Header image, post photos, profile picture… everything… gone!
For no reason!
I hadn’t touched it since publishing that last post… changed no settings.
It was the strangest thing.

You would think this would send me into a complete tizzy trying to figure out what went wrong and how to get it back in order. But it didn’t.
In fact, I didn’t attempt to fix anything until a couple of days ago.
I put back my header and sidebar images and restored the image from my latest post. (If you scroll down a bit, you can see what it looked like before I fixed things.)
For nearly a month, my blog sat in that disheveled state and I didn’t care.
Even more interesting... nobody contacted me to say, “Hey Christie, what’s up with your blog?” Not one single person.

I saw this as a sign.
The looming inevitable that I’ve been afraid to face...

It’s time to say goodbye to ChatterBox Christie.

It's been coming for a long time.
I've been alluding to it and you've undoubtedly sensed it...
Especially with the long absences here and on my social media profiles.

I can no longer deny that my days as the blogger you've come to know and love for the past 7 years, are over. (my God... has it really been SEVEN years???)
I can’t continue to straddle the fence.
I keep trying to hold on but there is no point… because there’s nothing to hold on to.
The more I try, the worse I feel.
This blog represents a life I truly loved, but have now outgrown.
Trying to make it fit is an unnecessary struggle.

ChatterBox Christie is not what it used to be.
It’s no longer a blog.
I’m no longer a brand.

ChatterBox Christie is now, JUST ME.

^^^ The hardest thing in the world to say out loud. ^^^

I will miss this. I already do!
I miss my blog-buddies… the amazing relationships I’ve created and treasured.
I miss my radio show. I miss the conferences. I miss the opportunities. I miss the fun.
It’s not about not having the time anymore… and let’s face it, I really don’t.
Now, it’s about not having the desire.

This may sound strange to you but it is an evident truth for me:
As long as I’m a “blogger,” I will never allow myself to be a “writer”… the kind of writer that I really want to get back to being.
I once prided myself on managing to be considered “influential” while remaining “niche-less” and refusing to be labeled a “mommy-blogger” (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Who knew this seemingly vast open space I created for the purpose of freely expressing myself boxed me in… confined me in ways that are now only visible with hindsight.

This blog represents the "pressure" of a brand that I can no longer support.
I've tried ways to make it fit my new "lifestyle" and, as you've noticed, it's not really working.
I tried to blame my lack of creativity and writer’s block on my job.
The truth is... trying to be a brand and blogger (with all that it implies) has been the culprit.

It’s hard not to run down the list of experiences I’ll no longer have. The perks I’ll no longer get. The invitations that will no longer grace my inbox.
It’s hard not to wonder if I am making a colossal mistake.

The bigger mistake is remaining shackled to this blog out of fear… afraid to let go of something that no longer positively serves my soul to grab onto something that will.

I feel as if I have severed a limb.
But like with most amputations, it is necessary… evasive, but life-saving… and it will be better for me in the long run.
(I just keep telling myself that... and pray that it's true)

I’m not going to lie to you… this is effin’ hard!

Letting go of something I've built...a dream I dared to pursue.
The last time I did this was in 2007 when I shut down my highly profitable corporate relocation business to be a writer and full-time mom.
A niche that I created... a business I ran on my own for 7 successful years!
There's that number 7 again… Something about it... like an itch, I guess.

(big heavy sigh)

This post was more for me than it was for you.

I needed to say this... and while I wanted you to hear it... I needed to hear myself say it out loud.
And I need to tell myself that it's okay.

Every evolution the ChatterBox has made over the years has always been a good one.
“My Life, A Work In Progress”
"The ChatterBox Show"
“Inside the ChatterBox” and “The ChatterBox Reviews"
“ChatterBox Christie… (and everything in between)

I appreciate every single one of you who have been here for any or all of them.
I hope to take you with me on the next leg of this journey.

My adventures in storytelling are just getting started...

Confession: I'm Thankful For Being A Bad Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 14:34:00 +0000

For the past three days, I've been thinking... "I need to write a Thanksgiving post."
After all... that's what I'm sure every blogger I know (and tons more that I don't) has done by now.
They even wished the world a Happy Thanksgiving via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and God knows where else...
But I didn't.
I'm a bad blogger.
And that is what I am most thankful for this year.

I get that you've got your head cocked in confusion like Scooby Doo, so allow me to explain, if I can.

I don't mean that I'm a "bad blogger" in terms of writing capabilities. I mean it in terms of "duty to the title." As in doing what's needed (or expected of me) to remain visible, relevant, popular, and/or even just interesting on my blog (and on social media networks, by extension).

I may haven't been completely "bad," per se... but I haven't exactly been good either.

So why am I grateful for being a bad blogger?
Because, it's made me good in other aspects of my life.
Very good, in fact.

I've lost a lot being a bad blogger...
But I've gained so much more...
An abundance of clarity, newly discovered strength, and a somewhat renewed sense of purpose that I am excited to take with me into a new year.
(more on this at another time... this conversation is far from over)

Well... this IS still somewhat a Thanksgiving post... and it IS on my blog...
So for the sake of tradition, here we go...

I am very thankful for my family and their continued love and support. So extremely thankful for my two wonderful and amazingly talented children. I'd like to specifically mention my beautiful mother who uprooted herself from Maryland last year and moved to Georgia. There are no words to express my gratitude for her physical presence in our daily lives.

I am thankful for my friends... especially my off-line friends... those that I feel that I unintentionally abandoned over the years due to my chosen profession (among other things). This year I have been more connected to them than ever and I'm so grateful that despite my neglect, our friendship is as strong as it ever was.

I am thankful for my position with CWI Team. The opportunity to work with them is a continuous blessing that I cannot thank God enough for.

I'm thankful for those who still believe I am a "good blogger" (kind of like a kid who wants to believe that Santa is real, but deep down knows the truth) Your confidence in me as well as every bone thrown in my direction is overwhelmingly appreciated.

Yes, the winds of change are a-blowing once again...
For the first time, the overwhelming sense of fear does not accompany it and I am thankful for that too.

Cirque Du Soleil's AMALUNA: A Celebration of Strength and Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 18:45:00 +0000

This past Sunday I was invited to see the fabulous Cirque Du Soleil show, Amaluna.
I love when Cirque comes to Altanta.
Like the vintage carnivals of yesteryear, the caravan rolls into town and pitches their enormous Big Top on the edge of Atlanta's Atlantic Station where it is clearly visible from many angles of the city.
After seeing Totem two years ago, I was elated to have the chance to experience their newest creation.

I've seen a few of their performances in my day, and I have to say that seeing it under the Big Top is THE way to see Cirque Du Soleil.
It is an intimate setting where every single seat yields a perfect view and the audience is easily a part of the action regardless of the row. Of course, the closer you sit, the more intense it is, but the energy can be felt with force no matter where your ticket has placed you.

As with all Cirque shows, Amaluna has no shortage of pageantry through costumes, choreography, music and set design.
Dazzling special effects, lighting, and pyrotechnics.
And of course (why we've come to love Cirque in the first place) the amazing, death-defying stunts, acrobatics, and magic.

But there is one very distinctive way that Amaluna is different from other Cirque shows.
For the first time in Cirque Du Soleil’s 30 year history, the cast of this production is 70% female.

Given the name as translated is “Mother Moon,” Amaluna was created to showcase and celebrate the strength and beauty of women.
Each artist portrays a strong and dominate female character through their own special brand of talent, balance, grace, and fearless athleticism.
And the music!
For me, the music was definitely a highlight of the show. The voices and the rock-fusion that came from that all-girl band was nothing short of explosive!

Oh... the guys… they were good too!
There is nothing like a male pole dancer!
Just putting it out there… do with it what you want.

Learning that Amaluna was a “girl thing” added and extra layer of appreciation for the show.
It also made me even more glad that my mom was my date for the evening.
She moved to Atlanta from Maryland around this time last year and has been (as always) a blessing to me and my kids.
Usually when I am off on my social media adventures, she is the one who watches my kids.
But not this time.
I wanted her to experience some of the excitement of this life that her presence allows me to live.

I enjoyed Amaluna very much and I know you will too!

Amaluna will be in Atlanta through November 30th. Click HERE for tickets and show times. Next US cities are Miami and Houston.

Driving, Flying and Punching Fear in the Face... Again!

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 20:15:00 +0000

The Great Georgia Air Show is back again and again, I was invited by my friends at Lexus to get a sneak peek of the fabulous aircrafts and attractions this weekend will have in store.

Last year, you may remember that I was randomly chosen to take a ride in a World War II fighter plane. This year, there was no random selection... I volunteered.

And it wasn't a fighter plane.

This time I decided to take a ride in a war helicopter... a HU1E flown in Vietnam and Desert Storm.
If you've seen any war movie like Apocalypse Now or Platoon or even Tropic Thunder, you've seen this type of aircraft...
It's the chopper that you often see the soldiers shooting out of...
You know... the ones with no doors!
(well, there are doors... they just don't ever close them... ever.)

So I (along with a crew of other seemingly fearless journalists) jump up and down going "ME ME ME" when Eddie, our veteran pilot asks "Who's ready to ride in the Huey?"

Never mind the fact that one of my fellow journalists who took this ride last year regaled us with his version of the adventure riddled with phrases like "There's nothing but a little mesh seat and a 50 year-old canvas strap to hold you in! HELL NO! I'm NEVER getting on that thing EVER again!"

I happily marched toward that chopper like it was nothing but a harmless carnival carousel... Instagramming pictures with happy little captions about going to ride in the sky with no doors... la di da di da...

Gunner Seats

I had not a care in the world sliding into the "gunner's seat" (little mesh seat) and getting hooked into my seatbelt (50 year old canvas strap).
I didn't even text my mom and kids like I did before the WWII plane ride when I was positive I was going to meet my maker.
My only thought was... How cool is this? A side view!

I must have been having an outer body experience...
Clearly, I was not my usual scared-shitless self.
My usual scared-shitless self would have been back in the hangar eating lunch with the other normal scared-shitless people.

The engine roars, the propeller begins to slice the air with that familiar thwacking, and the aircraft levitates from the ground slowly.

#NoDoors = #NoFilter and #NoZoom

My gunner seat-mate and I are giggling like pig-tailed school girls (except for him being a guy) snapping photos and waving to those we left behind.

The wind picks up with the speed and altitude and my first instinct is to hold on to something...
Except there isn't anything to hold on to.
Like... nothing!
Well maybe the person I'm sitting next to... but
#1 - I don't know him like that and
#2 - He doesn't have anything to hold on to either!

Higher and faster we go... flying over the beautiful golf course peppered landscape of Peachtree City.
With a kung-fu-vice-grip on my phone, I do the best I can to take as many photos of the breathtaking scenery as I can while my adorable gunner seat-mate FaceTimes his mom!

^^ Those are my knees! See... NO DOORS!

It was all fun and games... until...
Hard. Bank. Left.
What does hard bank left mean?
It means that I am now nearly parallel to the ground in a helicopter with no effin' doors, devoid of "oh shit" bars, and only a 50 year old canvas strap keeping me from certain death...
This is exactly the point where my usual scared-shitless self returned...
And the screaming began.

I wasn't alone.
The only people not screaming were the pilots.
And they continued left banking... right banking... going up... diving down... solely for their amusement and our terror-slash-excitement.
Truth be told... I went back and forth between complete fright and complete exhilaration.

Safely back on the ground, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
More than the chopper ride, it was that I entered into it with no fear... ZERO!
For me, that is unheard of!
I mean... my 10 year-old daughter couldn't even believe that I did it!
I could not be more prouder of myself!
(and I do not care if that sentence is or is not grammatically correct)

Now, if only I could approach more of my less life-threatening situations this way, right?

If you are in the Atlanta area this weekend, you too can experience the helicopter ride of a lifetime at The Great Georgia Air Show. October 11 and 12 at Falcon Field. A great time for the whole family! Check it out! http://thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com

Playing with My #Foodie at #TECHMunch Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:45:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief (that is...my appearance and my Instagram) I am the furthest thing from a foodie.
Food and I have a very strange love/hate relationship... which is a story for another time.
So you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to speak at TECHmunch, a Food Blogger's social media conference!

While I know they didn't ask me to speak because I am so entrenched in the food blogging community, it was strange because for the first time, I was speaking to a group that I felt had little to no connection to... aside from being a blogger, in general.

I could not have been more wrong!

I was in a room full of the most amazingly creative people I've ever met!
Some of them well seasoned in their endeavors.
Others hungry for the knowledge to get them started on their journey.
Everyone with insatiable appetites for success.

Clearly, these are my people!

I was there to share my knowledge of social media practices and Google Plus with them, but I, too, learned so much from them.

I also learned something about myself...
I am a FOODIE!
But not in the "traditional" sense of what we commonly perceive a foodie to be.

I could be in a spectacular restaurant... with the most amazing food yet what goes in my belly is not what fills me up.
I am nourished by creativity, camaraderie, and conversation.
The passion that overflows from someone sharing their concept or craft or just what makes them feel alive is a delicious smorgasbord that I could feast on for hours.
Where we are and what we are eating just illustrates the narrative.
And if that illustration is an intricate part of the passion... then it will be the best meal I've ever had... until the next one, of course.

The #TECHmunch experience also reminded me... or shall I say reaffirmed that I am where I am supposed to be doing what I am supposed to do...and how very blessed I am to be able to say that.

I think I'll just let us all marinate on that for dessert! :)

Fat N' Happy

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:06:00 +0000

Those of you who’ve been following me for a while may recall how I obliterated my fat pants a few years back.

For those who weren’t around, let me fill you in…

I used to imagine The Fat Pants as some Godfather type…like Chaz Palminteri or Robert DeNiro in a dark suit speaking to me with that calm “I’m about to kill you” tone… hands clasped together, index finger tips touching his lips as if imagining my murder. As with all mob bosses, there is a mob behind them. The Fat Pants is the ring leader of the operation... the one who stays behind the scenes and controls everything. Then there are the “Enforcers"…the “muscle" to carry out orders. The ones that were specifically tasked with keeping me in line were the Double-D Harness Bra and the XL (and later the XXL) Shirt. They were sent to me on a daily basis to ensure my self-loathing and discomfort. And there were other henchmen staked out at every corner… McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Arby’s, Pizza joints...pretty much anything with a drive-thru or delivery service. Below the “henchmen” are the peons they control…in this case, Me. And so…there was my lot in life…getting squeezed by The Fat Pants…literally.

Well… they’re back. The lot of them. Nearly to the point of with a vengeance. I’ve kept quiet about it. First it was denial. Now it’s shame. After publicly annihilating The Fat Pants by losing over 70 pounds...keeping it off for 2 1/2 years... only to privately gain close to half of it back…
To say that I’m not proud of myself would be putting it extremely mild.

The thing is… the first time I offed The Fat Pants, it kind of happened on it’s own. I didn’t really work at it. Sure, I changed a couple of things like not eating an entire pizza, but honestly, it still baffles me… and everyone else. I really didn’t try to lose weight I just did. In fact, one day I just decided not to worry about it anymore. I literally said out loud to myself that I was going to be “fat and happy.” I was going to accept myself as I am and forget about it. Live in peace. I don’t bother the Fat Pants and they won’t bother me. Somehow that triggered a slow and steady, yet miraculous transformation. In 18 months, 70 pounds rolled off of me like water off a ducks back.

Things were much different back then. Life was different. My job was different. My support system was different. My family was different. My mind was different.
No blood. Not a whole lot of sweat. But there were certainly tears. Oceans of them. I guess anger, mourning losses, and hustling for paychecks burns fat and calories too! Who knew?

Thankfully, many things in my life have changed for the better. Thus changing the definition of “fat and happy.” Except I aint so happy about being fat…again. I want the life I have now with the body I had then.

As far as how I will get that body back, it’s abundantly clear that lightening has no plans to strike twice. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200. No get out of jail free cards. I got one freebie and it has not gone unnoticed by the Fat Pants. This time, they’ve made sure that I will have to have to work for it.

And so… the journey begins again. #DieFatPants2
How's that for adventure, eh?

I am currently 3 weeks in on my plot to murder the Fat Pants (and for good, this time, because not being able to wear my favorite Wonder Woman shirt is really pissing me off!)

Once again, I’ve decided to take you with me. I couldn’t do it completely alone before. This time, I will need you more than ever. I will no longer be a prisoner in my own body. I have fully resumed my seek-and-destroy-mission.

To The Fat Pants, I utter my favorite phrase from Mortal Kombat... YOU WILL DIE!

Figments of My Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:59:00 +0000

Lately, I've been severely neglecting my creative spirit.
For far too long I've been hiding behind my day job and "commercial" blogging and not really writing the way I want to.
I'm also guilty of keeping "the good stuff" to myself out of fear.
Bearing your soul through your craft is a scary thing, ya know?
So... I've decided to take a small step outside my comfort zone and created a collection of my short fiction and kind-of-like-poetry pieces on Medium called Figments of My Imagination.
Finally, I'm using this platform as I originally intended... to expand and stretch far beyond my traditional blogging limits.
Hopefully this will give me a little boost in confidence to take more steps toward bigger publishing.
I've crawled enough... time to walk.. run... fly!

If you like what you read, please feel free to check out my other collections on Medium :)

How I Got to San Jose By Way of Alaska (sort of)

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 01:21:00 +0000

I finally got around to extracting this travel tale from my journal and publishing it on Medium.
It's slightly longer than the average blog post (which is why I chose to publish it on Medium) but a nice little "Sunday read."
At the very least... if you have 5 minutes to spare and/or you'd like to get a little chuckle at my expense, you'll enjoy my tale of how I got to San Jose by way of Alaska... sort of...

The Tale of The 44 Gates

It Can Wait

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 17:08:00 +0000

I was sitting at the pool, poised and ready to get work done while at the kids' swim practice.

Despite a splitting headache and substantial cloud cover stabbing my productivity in the throat, I managed to get a sizable chunk of my assignments completed before leaving.

As I sat there... scanning websites, inboxes, news feeds, etc., the sounds of happy squeals and splashing pierced through the force field of professional focus.

I looked up from my iPad to see my son and his classmates bobbing up and down like little buoys, dunking themselves under the water just enough to say they did it.

I caught a glimpse of my daughter, who just a few lessons ago learned to do the "freestyle," gliding across the water like she's done it all her life.

I returned to scanning.

Flipping from app to app.

Checking my phone which has not made a single noise indicating it needed to be acknowledged.

No notifactions.

No new messages since the last time I checked...two minutes ago.

It hit me that I didn't really have anything that important to do right then... but I was looking for it.

Actually hunting around like Indiana Jones for something to make every second count!

All the wrong seconds.

That swim lesson is one hour out of my day.

One hour to watch my kids be great.

To watch my son punch fear in the face and step outside his comfort zone.

To watch my daughter be so effortlessly brave that I wish I was just like her when I was her age... and at this age.

Who else in a single-serving-life can do this?

Who has the luxury of pushing pause on a full-time work day... right smack dab in the middle of it...to have this experience?

I don't know many.

I could argue that the luxury is in fact that I can do both.

At least I was there, right?

I was there... but I wasn't present.

I was plugged in to the wrong thing.

Yes, the luxury IS that I can do both... but it's not always necessary.

Today... it was not necessary.

Whatever it is I think I should be doing...

In these moments... precious and few...it can wait.

Soulful Solidtude and the Solo Roadtrip

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:56:00 +0000

Last month, I embarked on a new kind of adventure.
The Solo Road Trip.

I love road trips. I've been taking them since I was a kid.
My family used to drive from the DC area to Miami and Jacksonville on the regular.
My college besties and I burned up a lot of pavement between New York and Florida countless times within our 4 years of university.
If you've followed me for a while you may recall my BlogRoller days and how it all got started because Lorraine and I had the crazy idea of hopping in my minivan and driving to Chicago to crash the BlogHer-09 conference.
Who could forget that epic road trip I took with OnStar Serves that took me and five other journalists cross country from Atlanta to San Diego back in 2010.

In four decades of road-tripping, I've never gone solo.

Before anyone calls me out, let me clarify what I mean by "going solo".
The furthest I have driven alone, roundtrip, was to Charlotte, NC. (approx. 3.5 hours each way)
The furthest I have driven alone, one-way, was to Jacksonville, FL. (approx. 5.5 hours)

In these instances (as well as all of the aformentioned road trips) there was a purpose, an agenda or timeline to adhere to, other people involved, and/or expectations.

Never have I taken a road trip (or any other kind of trip) solo...
No obligations... No expectations...
Just me and the open road.

Now let me further clarify that my idea of a solo road trip does not imply that I don't have a plan.
There has to be a plan of some sort...
Mine consisted of a start date, an end date, a destination, reliable transportation, lodging, and people/places I'd like to see (but not mandatory).

I finally got my chance.

The chance to hit the road on my own and on my own terms.
I've never felt so free.

I have to admit, it was very strange.
Not having to think for...or about anyone but myself for even one hour is difficult... but for 72 hours?
The oddest...yet most exhilarating feeling in the world.
Kind of forbidden, even.
Like I was wrong... cheating on... shirking real and imaginary responsibilities in some way.
Running through the list of ways this idle time should be better spent.

I almost didn’t take this trip.
It was impulsive… and I am rarely, if not ever impulsive.
There was really no good reason why.
More than that… there was really no good reason why not.
My soul needed this.
My sanity needed it more.
To forbid myself to grasp this opportunity would have been a tragic injustice.

By the time I left the state of Georgia, the majority of the guilt had flown out of the open windows and the negative voices drowned out by the epic road trip playlist blaring from the sound system.
Car Karaoke is extremely theraputic.
So is riding in silence… listening to my own heart (literally and figuratively)

The solo road trip left me with a few reminders...
I was reminded of the importance of rest and reflection.
I was reminded to relax, relate, and release.
I was reminded that I am and always will be resilient… I may fall but I will not fail.
I was reminded that I am still a writer and I need to come out of hiding.

The opportunity to go solo… in a plane, train, or automobile… won’t come around again any time soon.
I am reminded to be reverent and forever grateful that I was allowed to take the wheel.

"Chef" Gets You In Your Feels And Feeds Your Soul

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:10:00 +0000

Pardon me for double dipping on the movie review posts but this was a necessity.
(and I'm writing again so this is a good thing!)

This is not about an advanced screening.
This film is already in theaters so I saw it on my dime... and let me tell you...

This little indie film called "Chef" is more than worth the price of admission!

Now, I've seen some really good movies lately...

But it's been a very long time since I've seen a movie that made me feel really good.

Chef is that movie.

I'm a touchy-feely, emotional person by nature.

It's nothing for me to cry in a movie especially when I can relate to the plot and/or characters.

Chef got me in my feels in a different way.

It more than touched my heart...

It literally made my soul smile from the inside out.

I'm still feeling it!

Chef stars Jon Favreau, who also wrote and directed it.

You may not know who he is by name, but I guarantee you've seen him before.

He's one of those actors usually in small supporting roles that you see in a lot of stuff but never really pay that much attention to...

At least that's who he was to me.

Now that I've seen what he's capable of behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera in a starring role... I think I have a little crush.

He pulled together a spectacular star-studded cast to bring his brilliantly written characters to life.

I will be shocked (and slightly devastated) if the accolades for this film do not include (at the very least) SAG or Golden Globe nominations.

In addition to an amazing screenplay, stellar acting, and the mouthwatering food (which, quite honestly, is a character in itself)... what really made this film a masterpiece for me was the music.

GEE!

A little old-school Soul... Jazz... a dash of Hip-Hop... a hearty helping of Salsa...

Definitely a high-ranking contributing factor to why I continue to have the warm-fuzzies about this film.

I totally downloaded the soundtrack the instant I got home.

So what is Chef about?

Honestly, I don't want to tell you.

In fact... DO NOT watch any trailers.

I don't want you to be spoiled in any way.

Just search your local theater listings, find it, and go see it.

Seriously... It IS that movie!

Those of you who know me... either in person or have a pretty good idea what I'm about from what you see and read online... will know exactly why this movie had such a profound affect on me.
The tagline says it all... "Starting over never tasted so good!"

I will leave you with this...

Do not under any circumstances see this movie on an empty stomach unless you are certain you will be able to get a decent meal afterward. Just a heads up... you will probably crave meat.

Also, if you are a Father, I highly recommend you see this film.

If you are a Father with a son old enough for an "R" rating, I highly recommend you see it together.

Move over Disney Princesses, the Magnificent Maleficent Has Arrived

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Fri, 30 May 2014 13:21:00 +0000

In case the title and photo didn't clue you in, I attended an advanced screening of Disney's Maleficent this week.
Dude.
This.
Movie.
Right.
HERE!

Translation: I loved it!

The Disney magic that we've grown accustomed to with this type of movie does not disappoint.
It's visually amazing. I highly recommend splurging for the 3D version, but it will still be dazzling without it.

I cannot say enough about Angelina Jolie's performance!
Like how Johnny Depp IS Captain Jack Sparrow... and Bryan Cranston IS Walter White...
Angelina Jolie IS Maleficent!
Seriously, she was made for this role... and vice versa.
Not implying that it was award-worthy or anything but... she's damn good!

But enough about that...

This is not your mama's tale of Sleeping Beauty... and that is clearly the intent.
Yes, this is the untold story of how Maleficent became the alleged villain of the fairy tale we were originally sold on.
But it is also Sleeping Beauty's story told from another perspective... hers.

I am really loving the direction Disney is taking with their recent films in how they are creating more empowered female characters and changing what it means to be a princess.
No longer helpless and in need of rescuing from a prince they barely know.
I truly feel they are really on to something here... a new trend of the villain backstory...
After all, villains are rarely born... they are made.
Their stories are never told because we only get the version as written by the so-called good guys to make them look... well... good.
All I have to say is Maleficent's rise to villainy (barring one or two slight overreactions) was completely justified.
Hands down, my new favorite Disney character... and a queen in her own right!

I have to say that, in my humble opinion, this is NOT a movie for children... at least not little ones. (kind of like Pirates of the Caribbean)
It's got some scary stuff... mean creatures and lots of violence.
I said earlier that it is not your mama's Sleeping Beauty and that's also because Maleficent's story is kinda "deep."
The plot might be a little complicated for younger kids to get into.
They will enjoy the action and the visual stimulation but the rest could be completely lost on them.
I witnessed this first hand sitting next to a kid who was about 5. She wasn't scared but she was bored to tears.
I'd say this movie works for ages 10 and up.
Adults, on the other hand... especially women... will love it.
Guys... watch and learn...
Like I said... villains are rarely born, they are made.
Just sayin...

Maleficent hits theaters today and it is a must-see!
Let me know what you think!

Having a #BeYOUtiful Mother's Day at Roc House Fitness Spa #AtlantaMomsRoc

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Fri, 16 May 2014 13:49:00 +0000

I had an amazing start to my Mother's Day weekend.

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending a splendid Saturday morning with some of my favorite fellow Atlanta blogging moms at Roc House Fitness Spa... a gym experience that is... to put it mildly... a game changer.

First of all... it's not just a gym.

It is a total body wellness center.

It is the sancturary that women would wish to escape to...

The only thing missing is bedrooms!

And... its just for Women!

So let's start with the obvious... yes, Roc House is a fitness center.

Weights, machines, cardio equipment, personal training services, and a collection of the the coolest classes I've ever heard of.

My blog-buddies and I experienced the Ballet Barre class that should be renamed Ballet Boot Camp.

Consider our collective asses kicked, ok!
I'm still feeling it.
The dancer I once was definitely don't live here no mo!

Roc House is also a Spa and Salon.

Massages, facials, waxing, hair styling, mani/pedis, and more!

After that killer ballet class, having an exquisite massage was much needed and extremely appreciated.

Bless you, Utamu, and your healing hands!

As I mentioned before, Roc House is a sanctuary.

You can come to Roc House even when working out or getting pamperd is not on your agenda!

They've got comfortable lounge areas to curl up with a book or magazine, chat with girlfriends, or even get some work done.
Yes... they have Wi-Fi.

There's also a cafe with delicious, healthy meals... nutritious smoothies... and...
(wait for it)

WINE and MIMOSAS!

See... all they need is a bedroom and I'm moving in!

So you're reading this thinking...

"Okay, how many of my first born am I going to have to cough up for this joint?"

Roc House doesn't want anyone to miss out on this experience.

Spa and salon prices are comprarable to the average you'd expect.

I found them to be a bit lower than expected considering the "Buckhead" location.

Fitness Classes are $10-15 ea.

For all services you can purchase packages, day-passes, and they do offer a monthly membership where many services are included and unlimited.

From the looks of this place and what you get, I put the monthly membership easily at a minimum of $200.

Our jaws dropped when we heard $99... with no commitment. It's all month-to-month.

Our jaws dropped further when we heard that you don't have to be a member.

Come when you want... as often as you want... and pay for the classes, spa/salon, and other services you use.

Roc House proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they not only appreciate women...
they get us!

They worked to create a one-stop-shop and "retreat" atmosphere with a price tag that can work with even the most modest of wallets.

I can't wait to go back!

You can see more stories from our event by searching #AtlantaMomsRoc on Twitter and Instagam.
And be sure to check out Roc House on Instagram! You will be amazed!

And Now... On to #LexusAdventures

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Mon, 12 May 2014 16:44:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to share my latest adventures.
I'm kinda bummed about it too...
I don't like when "life" keeps me away from writing...
But hey... I gotta sleep sometime, right?

So in the interest of time (and not knowing when I will get the opportunity to write here again), I will sum up my last two Lexus Adventures...

The first one was quite unexpected...
And I believe that was by design.
So far, I'd been driving sedans and small SUVs.
While they were all a welcome change from the minivan, they were still sort of "family" oriented.
That all changed when the Lexus LS-F Sport showed up.

There was nothing at all mommy about this ride...

To say that this is a sexy car would be a gross underestimation.
I was warned that this car was going to turn heads.
Looks aside, it's a brand-spaking new model.
At the time, there were only 4 on the road in Atlanta including the one I was driving.

And it did turn heads!
The attention this car got was insane!

You know my favorite thing to do on my adventures is to valet park.
In the valet circle, not one but THREE attendants came to the car... one even offered to help cary my briefcase!
Needless to say... I had the time of my life behind the wheel of this baby!

For the ladies that have the need for speed, this is the vehicle for you!
It handles beautifully and you can "punch it" without it "getting away from you."

If you are looking for practicality... keep looking.
The LS-F Sport is all about showing off!
Plus it siphons gas like a kid with a juice box!

And... the second adventure...

The Lexus GX460 was my first experience with a BIG SUV.
But it didn't seem so big.
Sure you kind of need to take a running leap to get in it...
But once inside, it didn't feel as massive as you might expect.

It didn't have that "truck" feel when I drove it.
It felt like a sedan that just happened to be very high off the ground.
I was amazed at my parking skills with this vehicle... even better than the minivan!

I guess since I am no stranger to the "family" mobile, there's not too much I can say about this one.
With these kinds of vehicles, it's all about the creature comforts... you've got to go big or what's the point, right?
Loved that I could connect my phone and my iPad via Bluetooth.
The back up camera has a ridiculously wide angle and turns night into day when you're in reverse!
I also like that newer models have the guide lines that make backing into a parking space a work of art.

By far the best feature... according to my children... was the rear seat warmers.
Lucky for us there were just enough chilly mornings for them to give it a good testing.

Until my next adventure, my friends...

Happy Mother's Day from The Cake Boss

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Sun, 11 May 2014 14:51:00 +0000

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Let me tell you about this cake...

This is a gift from my daughter, Kennedy.

After thanking her for such a beautiful cake, I asked when she was able to pull off buying a cake for me without me knowing about it since there has rarely been an instance where she's not been in my presence.

She said: "I made it!"

I said: "You MADE it?"
Because it really looks like it was purchased decorated, right?

Well... turns out, her teacher conspired with other family members to purchase plain, heart-shaped cakes for the class to decorate for their moms.

And this is Kennedy's creation! Wow!

Let me tell you about Kennedy...

For the past few months, she has been obsessed with watching reality shows on Netflix...

In particular... Cake Boss.

Clearly, she paid attention!

Dream. Do. Detach.: Akilah Richards Takes Over My Blog for Radical Self-Expression

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:50:00 +0000

DO NOT BE ALARMED!

My name is Akilah Richards, and I have commandeered Christie's blog for a moment.

You may have noticed things have been scarce here for a bit... and with good reason. If you follow her on any social networks you know she's been hella busy. But, as a personal friend of hers, I know she's been struggling creatively as well.

Christie is a badass writer...
(if you're here reading this, you didn't need me to tell you that)
She and I share an undeniable obsession for the written word and the craft of turning pieces of wisdom and creativity into finished, published indelibly inked babies (also known as books). As she and I conversed via email about all the barriers and bullshit that keep us writers enmeshed in everything but writing, Christie shared a thought that both moved me and reminded me just how beautiful a writer she can be.

I'm going to let you in on our little conversation... and share with you, like I did with her...

How Radical Self-Expression Can Help Turn Ideas Into Completed Work

Check it...
Christie told me this...

"My mantra for this year is Dream. Do. Detach. Especially the "Detach" part.The "Dream" part is always easy. The "Do" part has it's challenges, but I still "do" a lot. To "Detach" means to not worry about it after I do it. Not be so invested in the outcome. Let go, and let God...so to speak. If I have done my best... if I have done what is expected of me... then what happens after all that, I have no control over. Checking [blog] stats or looking to see if I have any comments, or replies, or likes, or mentions does not determine my worth, but it will deplete it. Looking for praise, recognition, and validation outside of myself is pointless. If it comes, great. I don't need to hunt for it... and more importantly, whore for it. [I need to] understand and appreciate the notion of "no news (most of the time) is good news." Dream. Do. Detach.
But it is HARD! Especially being in this line of work... where visibility and relevance and popularity can make or break you. So... I am detaching from that as well. Not from being a blogger... but from the expectations. I'm working on being a blogger for ME. What happens after I press publish is up to God."

Are you familiar with that space? Do you have more than a passing curiosity about a particular thing, or a deep desire to put a certain thing into your daily practice, but struggle to go from the intellectual knowing to the actual integration?

A simpler question is: Have you gained the life skill of going from Dream to Do without the burden of paralyzing fear?

Most of us can say that we have applied that skill in some way, but don't consider ourselves versed in that art. I get that. I've lived in that house and allowed that space to rule over my life. But I got so tired of feeling so unfulfilled and so muted, that my I shifted my life (including my work) to a focus on the polar opposite of that muted space: Radical Self-Expression.

You can live in that polar opposite space too, and you don't have to be a fearless warrior woman or man to live that way either. Let's talk about how the practice of Radical Self-Expression offers what I call strategic soulwork for the muted spaces that stop us from dreaming, doing, and detaching...

Radical Self-Expression is practiced through the exploration of your spiritual strengtheners; the words, actions, and feelings that are most aligned with who you are and how you prefer to live and to feel.

Christie’s sense of alignment to her spiritual strengtheners is inextricably linked to her ability to create, complete, and share herself through her work as a writer. So if she is just writing, but not completing or sharing her talents, she will not feel fulfilled. Here’s how I propose Christie use two of the Principles of Radical Self-Expression to integrate that create/complete/share/repeat pattern into her daily life.

PRINCIPLE 1 :: OLD KNOWINGS ::

This principle is about recognizing your personal patters, specifically, how those patterns relate to your deepest interests. A passion for written word is not a new event for Christie. She knows that she is a writer, not just because she has written and published books in the past, and not because she blogs today, but because when she writes, she FEELS like herself.

When she commits words to paper (or to screen), she does so, not just because of choice or obligation, but also because of desire. She WANTS to write, and has wanted to write for a long time.

That Old Knowing, that pattern of wanting to write is part of Christie’s natural grain. Somewhere along her journey, she learned to use written words to access, explore, and express herself, whether through creative fiction or insightful non-fiction.

One of the most important beliefs we can nurture is our belief in ourselves. Inextricably linked to this belief is our ability to call upon wisdom that is beyond the scope of our individual memories, and deeply rooted in the fibers of who we naturally are.

Old Knowings ask the questions: What do you KNOW about yourself, even if you cannot prove it to yourself? What images, people, stories, and words call to you stronger and more consistently than most?

These are the nudges of Old Knowings, and if you use them up, feel them out, and follow them even when you are afraid, you will find the amplifiers for your voice and the clarity for your next step forward.

Christie has already established a connection to her Old Knowings, because she identifies as a writer, and puts that identification into practice through her blog. But since she wants to go further, since she wants to use what she knows to fuel what she desires, she has to move on to the next principle…

PRINCIPLE 2 :: NEW BEGINNINGS ::

Once you recognize yourself, I mean really recognize yourself, and decide you are ready for a different experience in a particular area of your life, you need something new to focus on. You can’t try to upgrade your old mindset. Instead you’re going to have to release it altogether, to make room for your own evolution.

Christie wants to publish another book, and she wants to start traveling again (the way she used to in her pre-children, corporate baller days), perhaps through her work as a writer. In order to shift her Old Knowing (I am a Writer) to a New Commitment (I am a Writer who will create, complete, and publish a book in 2014) she has to turn that desire into an actual plan.

When you finally accept a truth about yourself, you have to let the full effect of that choice work in your favor. Her work now is to commit to publishing in 2014, and seek opportunities to stand in that commitment.

Since Christie has a great handle on the how-to of social media engagement, the type of question that would turn her desire into a plan would be... How can I leverage what I know to get what I crave?

From there, she can follow up with a plan for walking down all the possibilities for leverage opportunities...

She could start a blog series where she interviews working travel writers…
She could create a running list of resort and villa companies through the Caribbean and contact them about doing social media marketing campaigns during their low seasons.
She could publish an e-book on a fictional topic, just to whet her appetite for publishing bodies of work that aren’t on blogs.
She could write her book publicly. The entire thing, on her blog, with the faults, the good stuff, the “meh” stuff, all of it, with a public deadline, and regular updates. Tell us when your cover art is done. She could tell us when you've done the final round of edits (is there even really such a thing?). She could tell us when you set a launch date. AND... she could tell us when she feels like she’s going to stop.

Sometimes, you’ve got to be willing to use your outside voice to access your internal baggage. Baggage/fear isn't always readily apparent, and public work can help you shed light on it. Just be careful not to put too much weight on people's opinions. If Christie were to choose this option, the process would be for and about Christie, not her readers.

She could start a web video series on the barriers to successful writing (or travel writing) in efforts to create a community around emerging and aspiring fellow writers

See the pattern?

New Commitments are about NOT letting the absence of our desired results get in the way of consistent efforts. Sometimes we wait until “work” comes our way before we lean in; that’s a mistake.

Start creating SIMPLE projects around your desires, and watch how those projects often segue into paid work. Stop treating your passion like your man/woman on the side. Put it front-and-center, even in the absence of a financial return.

I’m not saying Christie should only be focused on writing and traveling, but I am saying that she should prioritize them.

Prioritization is at the core of New Commitments. Before you, I, or Christie can go past dreaming and doing, and on to detaching, we’ve got to recognize what we crave (Old Knowings), and create a strategy for prioritizing that Knowing (New Commitments).

There’s a popular saying that “the universe is constantly conspiring in our favor”, but I can’t help but imagine that our relationships with Universe (which I see as God) is not unlike any other relationship with someone we love. If the goals and the work are one-sided, the results might show up, but they won’t stick. Any one person can initiate a relationship, but if it is not a mutually beneficial, emotionally fulfilling, dual commitment environment, then it’s far less a relationship, and more so a situation.

If you want to leave your situation and transition into a relationship with your deepest Old Knowings, commit, co-conspire, and be consistent. Go ahead and dream, design the strategy for doing it, but don’t forget that a goal without a plan is merely an idea; and ideas—let’s be real—are not in high demand, but quality finished work never has to endure a low season.

There is always a market for quality, your job is to align your desires with your skills, and walk them both toward completion, over and over, until you are exactly where you need to be to feel fulfilled, and fully expressed.

I hope you enjoyed this blog-takover as much as I did and I do hope some part of this resonated with you and encouraged your own movement to Radical Self-Expression. To learn more about me and my personal journeys, click HERE.

DIVERGENT Doesn't Disappoint...Unless You've Read The Book, Maybe

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:24:00 +0000

This week, I got to check out an advanced screening of the new movie, DIVERGENT and I've got to say... It is nothing short of awesome sauce!

I was a bit worried about it being a Hunger Games knock-off as this seems to be a growing trend in the world of young adult literature, but while there were similar themes, the story was completely different and rather fascinating in concept.

I loved it!

I thought it was fantastic from start to finish.

An exciting pace... good fight and action sequences... intrigue and touches of suspense.

All good stuff...

That is... if you've never read the book (or any of the books in the series).

I haven't read the books.

I actually had no knowledge of what the story was about at all!

So that's probably why I liked it.

I was sitting next two a couple of ladies who have read the books so I was anxious to get their thoughts when the film was over.

They had the stank-face when the credits rolled.

I can't say that I was shocked as this is a common occurrence when hollywood completely butchers a perfectly good work of fiction.

While they fully expected hollywood to take creative license, they felt that there were far too many changes to the story and more specifically, changes to characters.

We discussed other book-to-film adaptations in this genre, such as The Hunger Games and Twilight trilogies.

In their opinion, those films did a way better job at keeping the book's integrity than Divergent.

Now... see... that just chafes my hide!

And ensures that I will probably never read the books because I don't want the movie... or the books... to be ruined for me now!

It also makes me mad that I enjoyed the movie so much... I feel like such a traitor!

(sigh)

Well... All is not completely lost for you fans of the book...

The ladies did say that the movie was very good from an entertainment perspective.

Like me, they thought the action, etc. was great.

If they didn't already know the story and weren't constantly making comparisons, they definitely would have enjoyed it more.

I also saw a few reviews online where some lovers of the book said the movie was better!

Personally, that worries me, but who am I to judge.

So... If you haven't read the book, Divergent is a definite must-see!

If you have read the book...

I say, keep an open mind and go anyway.

Happy Anniversary #SeeBodyLoveSelf

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:08:00 +0000

I can't believe it's been a year already!
I am so proud of this amazing project and so pleased and honored that my dear friend, Ivy LaArtista asked me to be a part of it.

See Body Love Self is a body image empowerment movement for men and women that encourages us to be comfortable with and love ourselves just the way we are.
Of course we all want to improve, but our desire to change should not be fueled by the media or society or even our friends and family.
Being healthy... mind, body and soul... is the objective.

For the one-year anniversary of this remarkable event, Ivy called... and I answered...
Once again, she got me clowning on video sharing my story...

Postash.io Makes Blogging with Evernote Go Nuts

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:11:00 +0000

As a self-proclaimed (and should be certified) Evernote junkie, I got all tingly when I learned about Postash.io
Postash.io is a blogging platform that is linked with Evernote...
That is you write and publish directly to the platform from Evernote...
In other words... Postash.io transforms your Evernote into your blog!

It creates a dedicated notebook for your Postash.io blog in your Evernote account.
You create notes as usual.
When you've got them looking all pretty with formatting and pictures, tag your note "published" and voila!
A freshly published post on Postash.io!

Unlike sites such as Medium (which, as you know, I LOVE) Postash.io IS an actual BLOG like Tumblr, Wordpress and (gulp) Blogger...
You can design the look and feel with the layout templates.
There is comment integration with Disqus.
It supports Google Analytics.
You can use a custom domain.
And the all important... social sharing.

For me, Postash.io could seriously be a game-changer...

Since I draft all of my posts in Evernote anyway this is like effin' brilliant!
No more copying, pasting, and reformatting before I publish!
You've seen my posts... with all of my formatting and text changes...
This would save me at least 15 minutes in production time!
Not to mention publishing on the fly...
I'm always "drafting" wherever I go. With this tool, I no longer have to wait until I get to my laptop AND have the time to sit and "tinker" with the post.
In my Evernote, it would be all ready... as is.

I can feel Blogger getting mad at me.

I'm sorry, but the current way of blogging is one of the reasons why I don't do it as often!
Writing is hard enough.
The formatting is what drives me crazy. I'd like to only have to do it once!

You could argue that I can draft my posts right here in Blogger.
Um... no... I like having a saved draft of my work in my Evernote... I'm quirky like that.

You could say... Hey Christie, Blogger has a mobile app, you know?
Yes, I am aware of that and I have tried it. My posts never come out looking like I want them to because I don't get an accurate visual of the finished product on the app.

So we are back to drafting in Evernote, copy, paste, re-format in Blogger... yadda yadda yadda...

(sigh)

I haven't made the decision just yet... but it is definitely worth some heavy consideration.
I'm going to play around with Postash.io and see how it works for me.

Have you checked it out?
Let me know what you think...

Valentine's Day Doesn't Have to Suck... But It Does

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 06:14:00 +0000

I hate Valentine’s Day.
I’m somewhat of a sentimental fool, so that’s a little disappointing to admit.
(and somewhat is putting it mildly)

Actually, I would really like Valentine’s Day if it didn’t suck so much.
Unfortunately the reasons why it sucks far outweigh the reasons why it has the potential to be awesome.

We can’t blame commercialization…
It was a commercial holiday to begin with so that’s not a valid argument.
But we use it anyway… among other lame excuses for not celebrating, participating in, or at the very least, acknowledging it.

Personally, I blame user error and the forever complicated Mars/Venus language barrier between men and women for the excess and angst that screw up what could otherwise be a fun little holiday.
And… I might get some heat for this but...

Guys… you started it!

The cowards who dump their mates by February 13th are, for the most part, male.
Men are usually the ones to protest in the name of commercialization!
It’s a holiday about feelings… the “L” word in particular… and we know how much you enjoy any sort of discussion or public display of that!
And my personal favorite Bullshit Copout #1…
“There shouldn’t be a special holiday to show someone you love them… that should be every day of the year!”

Let’s examine that one for a second… and why it’s a load of crap, shall we?

You love your mom, right?
All day…every day… twenty-four-seven-three-sixty-five, right?
I seriously doubt your unwavering love coupled with the inherent commercialization of Mother’s Day stops you from doing something special for her.
If you are in a committed relationship, you probably celebrate an anniversary… maybe even a couple of them. You don’t just glaze over it (them) without some sort of gesture, I’m sure.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is just another day. But just like Mother’s Day… or an anniversary… or even your birthday… it’s one day out of all the other days to show appreciation with just a little more cowbell.

Which brings me to my personal favorite Bullshit Copout #2…
“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day because I don’t want to be like everyone else.”

Um… okay… lemme get this straight…
You don’t want to do the cliche flowers, candy, teddy bears, giant heart-shaped card or balloon, dinner at a fancy restaurant thing… so you’re just not going to do anything... at all?

Dude! Really?

Um… if you don’t want to be like everyone else… then don’t!
Be creative! For starters… try thinking about your girl and how you feel about her instead of focusing solely on the cliche!
And… seriously, what does what everyone else is doing have to do with you?

Ladies… we don’t help the situation either.

We do tend to go a little ape-shit over Valentine’s Day.
Most of the time, our negative and/or amplified reactions are in response to the scenarios I mentioned above. Especially if we’re barely shown love on a regular day or clueless as to how he feels about us at all.
Sometimes our feathers are ruffled by our own doing.
We place unrealistic expectations on our guys and/or we are gunning for bragging rights.
Valentine’s Day, much like weddings, is more about pageantry than love these days.

Like I said… user error and miscommunication.

To me, Valentine’s Day should be whatever you and the person you love (or just like a whole helluva lot) want it to be… the trick is knowing exactly what that is.
It could be a big-ass cliche or a convenient excuse for a much needed date-night.
Celebrate it… don’t celebrate it… but you both better be on the same page and know what’s up.
It all boils down to the dynamics of your relationship and really knowing your mate.
Contrary to popular belief, every kiss does not begin with Kay!

What’s that you say?
Valentine’s Day is not a real holiday…
Neither is National Tequila Day but that didn’t stop you from dropping a c-note on a couple of bottles of Patron, now, did it?

Yeah… that’s what I thought.

(also posted on Medium)

Adventures in the Toyota Avalon

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:03:00 +0000

Once again, I embarked on yet another Toyota Adventure!
This time, I hit the streets of metro Atlanta in a shiny blue Avalon Hybrid!

Okay...
It's official...
I am head-over-heels in love with hybrid vehicles!
After the Prius v and now the Avalon... I am 1000% SOLD!
(yes, the extra zero was intentional)

Seriously, to be able to do my daily to-and-from school runs and shopping errands, meetings at client sites, some out-of-the-way excursions which included a trip to the outlet malls for a whole week and barely use a 1/4 tank of gas?
Dude!
It is all about the Hybrid!

Now, I've been driving some sort of SUV-ish type vehicle for the past... oh... 15 years or so.
Sedans are usually not my thing.
I've been lulled into a sense of believing that they do not have enough space for me, my kids, and the crap that accompanies us.
It's like being able to see my trunk in the rear-view mirror somehow brings me peace.
(eyeroll... shrug)
To be fair, when I was hauling around car seats, strollers, pack-n-plays, and other infant/toddler apparatus it was warranted.
Now... not so much.
And I've already mentioned how completely un-sexy my minivan is... even when it's clean.

The Avalon is the epitome of affordable and practical luxury.

Now, I wouldn't go on a extra-long roadtrip with more than two people with large suitcases (if you catch what I'm tossing) but it's comfortable, spacious, and gorgeous... inside and out.
It can go from Mommy to Mami quite seamlessly, if I do say so myself.

And it's fun to drive!
The Sport mode turns any curvy road into the Autobahn and because it's a Hybrid, it doesn't drain the gas tank.
I was also pleased to see that switching back to Regular or Eco mode did not feel like driving with my butt-cheeks clenched!

All in all, I'd have to say, my third Toyota Adventure was a charm!
Until the next one...

Grabbing Some "Headspace" Just Got a Little Easier

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:43:00 +0000

When it comes to meditation, many are called but the chosen are few...
That is... lots of people try it, but not many stick with it.
Why?

It's not hard... but it's hard.
To actively train your brain to slow down... filter out the noise of random thoughts and demanding obligations...
To sit still and be literally and figuratively quiet...
Seriously, it could be considered an extreme sport.

I bet it's slightly difficult to believe that I, the Chatterbox, practice meditation.
Actually, it is essential to my well-being.
And definitely a huge part of #ProjectPresent.
Taking a few minutes to woossaahh everyday keeps stress to a low roar and increases clarity... and sanity.

When people learn that I practice meditation, I often get the "Oh I wish I could do that" or the "I've tried to meditate and it doesn't work" response.
Like I said, many are called, but the chosen are few.
In my opinion, the chosen are few because... well... they're doing it wrong and/or approaching it with the wrong attitude.

If they're not thinking they have to sit like a master yogi... legs twisted up in a pretzel... sitar music in the background... incense smoke billowing... chanting Ohm as the world magically falls completely silent and drifts away... then they are struggling with the concept of sitting still and doing nothing with their body or brain for a minute or five.

Enter my new best friend... Headspace.

Headspace is an app (web, iOS, and Android) that helps you "get your mind right" through daily guided meditations and motivational exercises and videos.

This is a perfect tool if you are brand-spanking-new to meditation.
It starts you off with a 10-day intro course in which you take a 10-minute guided meditation (that is, a recorded voice will walk you through the process of getting still and focusing your mind and body).
On the first day, there is an excellent video tutorial on what meditation is and what it does for your body.
Honestly, even as a practitioner, I have never had a better explanation!
I am a visual person so seeing it through clever animation gave me even more clarity and deeper insight into my existing practice.

What I like most about Headspace, besides how visually appealing it is, is how helpful it is with understanding the practice.
The creators know how difficult it can be to get started and to stick with it so they have tons of resources to assist you regardless of your "level."

I also LOVE the different "focus" programs available for different aspects of life like creativity, relationships, and work or school.

Now, you'll probably notice that this is a subscription-based service.
Kind of a turn-off but there is a lot you can still get for free.
If you are serious about incorporating regular meditation into your life in some way, going through the free 10-day course will certainly get you on your way.
You should be able to comfortably remove the "training wheels" after that if you want.

If you're like me... kind of a meditation ninja... you might want to keep going with the other programs.
It's roughly five bucks a month.
Skipping a trip to Starbucks for my mental health is certainly worth the sacrifice.

But don't take my word for it... Grab a little Headspace for yourself.
Let me know how it goes, m'kay?

The "Medium" Between Blogging and Writing

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 13:45:00 +0000

In the space between being a blogger and being a writer, I've discovered a happy Medium.
Well, I didn't exactly discover it, it was recommended to me by a very good friend and I will forever be eternally grateful for it.
A true flair for the dramatic, I have... but this time it is completely warranted.

Medium.
How can I describe it? Besides, effin' brilliant, that is.
I am seriously having a hard time putting into words how to tell you what Medium is in a short and sweet way that won't completely confuse the crap out of you or bore you to tears.
And that would be crazy because Medium is awesome and quite possibly the simplest thing EVER!
(You do realize this is me restraining myself from going into a long-winded explanation, right?)

Medium is a relatively new concept… about six months old…
Of course, that's like six internet years so I guess it's practically ancient now.
It was created by the same phenomenal geniuses that brought you Blogger and Twitter…
And it literally is a happy medium between the two.
(See what I did there? I have a feeling that was the whole point!)

It is not a blog platform.
It is not a social sharing site.
Yet, elements of the two are actively present.
It is an exquisite exchange of ideas between writers and readers.
(Ha! Well lookie there! I did describe it in a short, sweet, non-confusing, non-boring way!)

If you want to write but not blog…
If you are tired of blogging and would like to get back to writing…
If you blog but also want to write…
Medium is perfect for you.

If you understood any of what I just wrote, Medium is definitely perfect for you!

Medium allows writers to focus on writing…
Not on genre or niche.
Not on keywords and hashtags.
Not on headers, footers, and sidebars.
Not on "likes" or "plus ones."

Medium allows readers to focus on the writing, too…
Not the writer's day job.
Not the writer's credentials or Klout.
Nothing beyond their name and the short bio beneath it.
(and I love how most of the writers keep them really really short and very rarely with a link to find them elsewhere… I suspect by design)

You're starting to get it now… (and I swore I was going to keep this short)

Notable features of Medium…

Medium calculates the approximate read time for each post so you can decide which you have time to dive into now and which are better suited for when you are curled up by the fireplace.
You can create "Collections" of your work and the work of others. Readers follow the collections rather than the writers… but by following a few collections, following writers kind of happens by default.
Instead of commenting on the entire post (unless you want to) you can comment on the words, sentences, or paragraphs that resonate with you. You can even create tweets from them! Writers can choose to make the comments private or public and can also reply.
Instead of "likes" or "plus ones," readers can "Recommend." Personally, I like the sound of that WAY better. And if you think about it, you don't necessarily have to "like" something to "recommend" it to someone. (see what I did there? yeah.)

One of my favorite articles on Medium is actually an article about Medium brilliantly written by Cliff Watson. Honestly, I could quote nearly the whole damn thing but I will leave you with this gem...

"When you show up at Medium, there’s a good chance that you have no idea what you’re going to find specifically. You just know there’s going to be good writing, good thinking and good insight… I think the majority of us on this site are curious. And as curious people, we’re always looking for answers to questions we didn’t even know we were asking. When we’re looking for answers, we read. When we find them, we write. Hello, Medium."

Obviously, I highly recommend you read the whole thing.

And if this long-ass-rant and/or that quote isn't enough to convince you of the new-ish hotness that is Medium, click here. (grin)

Riding With the Toyota Rav4

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 13:36:00 +0000

Despite the south's freakishly freezing temperatures last week, I got to spend a little time with a little red Toyota Rav4. It's a nice mini SUV... a decent bang for the buck.

Now, you may think I sound a little less than enthused.
I'll admit, I got a tad bit spoiled by the Prius v so I know that's kinda clouding my judgement...
but the Rav4 has some decent qualities...

For instance, the "Normal," "Eco," and "Sport" driving modes to help the vehicle save fuel as well as adapt to the driving conditions.
Normal felt... well... normal.
Eco felt normal, too... until I switched to Sport...
Switching to Sport mode was like hitting the NOS button!
It was suggested that I go into Sport mode if I was going to be on open road with a lot of curves... and um... yeah... that was kinda dope!
Switching back to Eco or Normal from Sport was like... well... the best way to describe it is like "clenching your butt cheeks."

It is a clenched-butt-cheek drive... not a bad one... but definitely a noticeable difference.

You also notice the difference in the fuel economy when switching between the different modes.
Normal and Sport will siphon the gas like a kid with a juice box!
I highly recommend you keep your butt cheeks clenched on Eco or be prepared to spend a lot of time at the gas pump.

One of my favorite features of the Rav4 was the back up camera!
LOVED the guidelines for perfectly fitting the car into parking spaces.
I also liked how clear the camera is... especially at night... apparently it has night vision.
The wide angle was also great to make sure you can see everything behind you...even better than the rear-view mirror!

The Rav4 is a great vehicle for a small family who want the SUV without the ESSYOUVEEE, if you know what I mean.
The trunk was a little smaller than I expected, but for me, that could actually be a bonus...
Less space means I will have less junk in my car!
(if you have kids, you totally know what I mean)

So all in all, not a bad ride.
Again, anything that helps me shed the minivan and all the stigmas that go with it, I am all over it!

See you on my next Toyota adventure...

#WritingWednesday New Year... New Story

noreply@blogger.com (CG) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 19:26:00 +0000

This new year falls on a "Writing Wednesday."
How appropriate.

I was just reflecting on the past year and thinking that for the past few years, I've just been adding chapters to the same book.
It was turning into a never ending boring story.

It's time to start a new book...
With an entirely different plot.

Today is the first blank page.
And so... it begins...