Caffeine Withdrawal is AWFUL

For those of you who know me, you may know that diet Coke is kind of "my thing".  For as long as I can remember, I've been drinking diet soda.  As I've been reading and hearing more about the potential long term negative effects of soda (even diet), I've been thinking more and more of quitting.

There are two things that make me not want to quit drinking diet Coke.  First, I just like it.  It tastes good and I enjoy it.  Second, I've built up an addiction to the caffeine.  I've decided to make quitting soda a two step process.

Phase 1- No caffeine

Starting yesterday, I have only allowed myself to drink non-caffeinated drinks including caffeine free diet coke.  I figured it's a good way to allow myself to ease into the transition of drinking as much DC as I want to drinking none.  I've had some Sprite Zero and some caffeine free Diet Coke yesterday and today.  At first, I was feeling fine.  But this afternoon, the headaches and fatigue have set in.

Frankly, I'm miserable.  But the withdrawal symptoms I'm experiencing from the lack of caffeine are just another reason for me to want to quit now.  I don't like the thought of being addicted to ANYTHING even if it is "just" caffeine.

Phase 2- NO Soda

Once the caffeine is no longer such an issue, I'm going to cut out even the caffeine free diet sodas.  I figure I'll give myself a couple more days and then I'm planning on nixing soda altogether. I did it for two years once.. so I know I'll be able to do it again.  Quitting just isn't a pleasant process.

I'll keep you guys posted on my progress (and keep myself accountable).

Ask Miranda?

I have ALWAYS been really into reading "Ask ....." columns.   I really enjoy reading about peoples' advice on certain topics like relationships, work, school, home, etc.  I stumbled across one of these columns the other day and thought, "How fun would it be to write one of those?".

Also, for whatever reason, my friends and family seem to always come to me for advice on things.  I tend to be a good listener and am somewhat rational about most topics.  I also tend to be very neutral in conflict and am good at compromise.  

I wish I could come up with a way to incorporate that into my blog.  I probably don't have a big enough following just yet to start a regular "Ask Miranda" post, but that's definitely something that would be a fun addition.

For now, if you DO have any questions you'd like for me to respond to or need some advice, feel free to Facebook, Twitter (@mdtown2), text, call, email or smoke signal them to me.  You can also anonymously post any questions directly to the comment section of this blog if you'd like. I would, of course, always keep the identity of the questioner anonymous on the blog.  

Things I Love - Thrift Stores

For years, I would wince, whine and complain any time my mom or grandma would try to "drag" me into a thrift store or flea market.  They loved going somewhere and digging around to find a hidden "treasure".  I didn't get it.  Why would you go to a store filled with other people's old junk?

For whatever reason, as I got older, my mentality completely changed.  Now, I find myself going on the exact same treasure hunts my mom and grandma were so excited about when I was young.

There's something to be said about finding something that someone else had no use for and making it useful again.  In today's economy (or at any time really).. I see no need in wasting money to pay full price for things I can get for such low prices elsewhere.

Recently, I've had some pretty good luck with household items.

I got this huge brown/tan vase filled with huge palm leaves for $9. I didn't want to use the palm leaves so I'm getting rid of those (if anyone wants them let me know).  I'm on the lookout for something else to put in it.  This just needs to be cleaned up and will fit with my decor perfectly.

I bought this flower arrangement to sit on a shelf in my bathroom for $4.00.  I typically don't go for the fake floral arrangements, but for whatever reason I really liked this.

I bought this shelf for $6 or so.  I plan on painting it a fun color like lime green or turquoise to add some color to my otherwise very neutral living space.  This picture makes it look like it's in really rough shape, but in reality it just needs to be cleaned up and painted.

Finally... today, I had my all time best thrift store find.......

An authentic Louis Vuitton purse for $25! I've actually never paid $25 for any one item at a thrift store as I usually stay in the under $10 range, but I just couldn't pass it up. I was on a thrift store high for the rest of the day even though I didn't have much luck at any of the other stores we visited.

Why I Love Thrifting

• I REALLY like saving money and getting good deals on things.
• I enjoy the thrill of the chase.  I'm not one of those people who gets frustrated when things are out of order in a store.  I like finding that special item that others have passed up.
• When you spend less money on individual items, you can try new things and have a variety of fun things in your home.
• You can obtain an eclectic mix of decorative items or furniture.  I tend to be very "matchy matchy" when it comes to furniture and decor.  I find a color or set of colors/patterns I like and I really stick with it.  When you shop at thrift stores, you can really focus on finding special pieces which is fun and looks great.

The Downside

• Some people who shop at thrift stores can be a little unpleasant to deal with (won't move over to let you through the aisle, etc).  I suppose people are just really into their thrifting experience and don't worry about what's happening around them.  This isn't a huge problem, but it does happen occasionally.
• You have to be REALLY careful that the things you buy aren't missing pieces or broken.  A lot of stores don't have return policies.  Fortunately, most things are so cheap if you do decide you don't like something... you can always just re-donate it.
• The hobby can be time consuming.  Depending on how organized the store is... it can take a while to find the good stuff.  I'll share some quick tips.
• Usually the really special items (i.e. Louis Vuitton purses) are typically in cases near the register/check out.  
• In my opinion, the outside perimeter of most stores typically have the coolest items (furniture pieces, home decor, books, cds, etc.)
• Only go to the stores when you are in the mood to browse and never go into the stores anticipating finding anything specific. 

I personally don't really like looking at clothes and shoes at thrift stores.  For whatever reason, I feel like most clothing items are too worn out and faded for my tastes.  Also, the clothes never seem to be arranged by size which I find really frustrating.  The majority of what these stores sell are clothing items, so I don't have the patience to dig through 50 racks to maybe find 2-3 items I like.  I prefer discount and clearance racks in other stores for clothing, but other people seem to have better luck than I do at thrift stores.

I'm not a thrifting expert by any means, and I know some people are really into it.  But if you have any questions or would like any other tips, I'll do my best to help!

Kevin's First Trip to Rupp Arena

Last night Kevin got to experience his first basketball game at THE Rupp Arena.  Yes, basketball in August.  Yes, I know most sports fans are currently anxiously anticipating college football.  In the Bluegrass, though, it's basketball season.

Kevin was a real trooper and stayed through the whole game with me even though he wasn't feeling well.  I think he had fun and I know I did!

The singing of the National Anthem of the DR

Coach Calipari is coaching the Dominican Republic national team which played an exhibition game against a team of former UK b-ball players who are now in the NBA.  It was so cool to see so many of my favorites (particularly Demarcus Cousins, John Wall, Tayshaun Prince and Rajon Rondo) playing together at Rupp Arena.

The pros actually lost to the Dominican Republic team, but it was still a great time.

I like seeing him in UK attire!

I'm exhausted from waking up super early to take Kevin to the airport before heading to work this morning, so I'll keep today's post short and sweet.

Later this week I'm planning on writing about my recent thrift store finds and some projects stemming from those finds.  Stay tuned.

Braggin' on Jackson

Let me start with a little background information...

My mom bought Jackson, my toy poodle, for me as a gift my Junior year of college.  I had NEVER been allowed to have a pet inside the house when I was young and as I got older I realized I was probably missing out.  I started talking about getting a puppy, and for whatever reason my mom decided to get Jackson for me.

I may be biased, but I think Jackson is one of the cutest dogs ever (see below evidence).

While I think Jackson is great... super cute, cuddly, loving, protective, etc.  I will be the first to admit that he can be a little on the obnoxious side as well.  I like to describe Jackson's bark as blood curdling.  It's awful- so high pitched and loud.  I also think Jackson has separation anxiety.  Combine the obnoxious barking with freaking out any time we leave him and, Houston, we have a problem.

I can normally deal with the barking when it's just the family around, but when you bring in visitors, his anxiety and barking only get worse.  It's virtually impossible to give guests your full attention when you spend most of the time consoling the dog and trying to keep him company.  We try as much as possible to separate him from the guests, but I find myself feeling sorry for him and sneaking away to hang out with him instead of the people.  I know what you're probably thinking, and YES I know I sound like a crazy lady.  Maybe this says something about the people I surround myself with if I'd rather hang out with my dog than them.... I'm kidding, kind of! (Love you friends and family--- don't get your feelings hurt!)

Anyway,  for the past week, I've been researching and implementing some new things with Jackson to try and curb the amount of barking.  I read a ton of articles and how-to's and decided to start with the easiest ideas first.

Taming Jackson

One article I read (I wish I could find it again) mentioned that you should just sternly say "NO" to the dog immediately when they start barking.  As soon as the dog calms down and quietens you give positive reinforcement be it a treat or just an "atta boy" and attention.

I would have never thought something this simple would have worked with Jackson, but I found that he almost immediately understood and would follow my command to stop barking when I said, "NO".

Jackson usually barks a LOT when I come downstairs to my little "apartment" and leave him upstairs in the main part of the house.  I always feel guilty and would find myself sneaking around (I'm not joking) in order to avoid disturbing/upsetting him.

I've been making a conscious effort to keep a treat with me, and any time Jackson would start barking at me on my way down, I'd tell him "NO" then follow up with a treat when he got quiet.

I am SO proud to say that for the FIRST time, just now, I came downstairs and there was not a PEEP from Jackson.  I can't believe it worked so quickly and I am oh, so excited.  Obviously, consistency is key and one minor battle victory doesn't mean the war is over.

I am anxious to see how this turns out..... So far, so good!

Things I Love- Orange Leaf

When I first decided to start a blog, I was brainstorming ideas.  One thing I just kept coming back to was a "things I love" regular post.  I think it could be a fun addition to the blog to share with my friends some of the things I really like.  Occasionally, I'll try and think of things I just really don't like and share those as well, but I generally try to be a glass half full type of girl.

For my very first ever "things I love" post, I have chosen.........

Orange Leaf has taken Lexington, KY by STORM.  A few guys opened up one store near the Fayette Mall and then one guy you may have heard of.... Coach Calipari fell in love with the place.  He became an investor and now there are several locations in Lexington.

I am excited to announce that as of today, 8/10/11, there is an Orange Leaf location in Richmond! I say that like I work for the place, but I am not, in fact, employed by OL. I haven't yet made it to the Richmond location (they only opened a couple hours ago), but I plan to check it out this weekend hopefully.

Why I love Orange Leaf

1. It's a great summer treat.
2. Every Sunday they donate $1,000 plus all tips to a charity which rotates each week.
3. It's low calorie (as long as you have it in moderation... and don't fill up those HUGE cups to the top.  I wish OL would introduce a smaller cup size as well, but I understand the sales tactic and it works.  The larger the cup, the more people will buy.)
4. You get 2 free oz. of froyo if you "check in" at Orange Leaf on Facebook.  This is an incredible marketing tool.  I would guess that at least every day I see that one or more friends has checked in at OL, and it always reminds me that I want it.
5. There's something for everyone.  There are a ton of flavors of yogurt and a topping bar which includes everything from fresh fruit to cereal.
6. Most importantly... it's just tasty! 

My Suggestions

• Low Fat Cheesecake with fresh strawberries
• Pomegranate and Pineapple
• Low Fat Brownie Batter with any toppings or mixed with pretty much anything.

If you have been living under a rock and haven't tried Orange Leaf, I strongly suggest it.  Go try it Sunday and leave a good tip for charity! 

My Favorite Singer Had a Rough Day

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Gavin Degraw is my favorite singer of all time.

I haven't really followed any other musician or band as closely as I have him. I did go through the Backstreet Boys phase, but it was just that... a phase.  I DO still think I'm going to marry Kevin Richardson one day even though he's already married and my boyfriend (also named Kevin, ironically) probably wouldn't like me marrying a Backstreet Boy.

I actually still remember the first time I ever heard Gavin Degraw.  I was sitting in the parking lot of a Sonic drinking a diet coke (so typical) in 2003, at the beginning of my senior year of high school.  I specifically remember the Sonic diet coke because this particular friend and I always did that when we hung out.  (Side note:  Seriously, if you haven't had a Sonic DC, you are missing out.)  Anyway, my friend and I were listening to Maroon 5 (our favorite) and then she randomly asked me if I had heard of Gavin Degraw.  She had discovered him because one of his songs was the theme song for One Tree Hill.  

We listed to one song and I was hooked.  We immediately went to Target where  I got his debut CD and from that point it was literally one of the only CDs to ever enter the prized "slot 1" of my 6 disc CD changer in my Mustang.  The CD was literally in there until a few months ago when I finally got a new car.

I'm rambling about my love for Gavin because I've been reading that he was brutally attacked in NYC at about 4 AM.  Reports say he was intoxicated and had an argument with several people who then beat him up pretty badly. I am so thankful to find out that he's on the mend, only suffering from a concussion, a couple of black eyes, and some cuts and bruises.  

I had been thinking of getting tickets to his show with Maroon 5 and Train.  Now, he's cancelled a couple of appearances due to his injuries... so I guess I'll wait and see what happens before buying tickets.

I'm so saddened by all of the violence and evil in the world.  A guy who sings pretty much nothing but love songs gets attacked on the same day kids in London are rioting just for fun.  I'll never understand it. 

  

For the Guys....

First of all, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who read my blog within the past week.  My last post got over 100 views, and I was completely shocked.  I'm sorry for taking so long to write this follow up to the last post, but here goes....

In my last post, I talked about my own personal reflection and beliefs a bit but also referred you to Donald Miller's post about living a great love story.  (Again, here's the link in case you missed it.)  I agreed with most of what DM had to say about the topic but I feel as though it lacked some depth and understanding into the mind/heart of a woman. I would be REALLY interested to read his fiance's perspective on the same topic as far as how women can prepare to live a great love story.  DM is a man, so he will always be somewhat limited in how to relate to or explain the way women are.

This brings me to the second part of his post which is directed toward the men.  I'll admit.. I'm a little jealous of what the girls got based on all he had to say to the guys.  I feel like he had some great insight and while I will never claim to understand men (you guys are confusing), I genuinely HOPE a lot of what DM had to say is true. Maybe I've watched too many chick flicks, but I really like the idea of guys approaching a relationship like this....

That said, though, men were designed by God to live a great love story.

But there’s a difference between men and women, here. Men were not designed to have love stories “happen to them” as much as they were designed to “make a love story happen to a woman.” Do you understand. You’re the writer of the story. You’re the guy who initiates and has the character to follow through. You’re the one responsible for how the love story turns out.

-Donald Miller

All the Single Ladies (Put Your Hands Up)

I don't mean to alienate any of my male readers, but I just wanted to share some quick thoughts with my girls..... Guys, it can't hurt for you to hear it too.

I have a lot of single friends.  Mostly girls.  As someone who was single the majority of her young life with the exception of the past year or so, I can completely relate.  It is incredibly hard and can be completely lonely at times to be constantly single.

I remember the turning point for me as far as my mindset was concerned.   The message at church for weeks had been about relationships and love and was based on Song of Solomon.   I was at a 20-somethings group at church which was breaking down the topic and applying it to unmarried/single young people.  The speaker had someone pass out these tiny little circular mirrors as well as markers.  The talk that day was great and while the exact message didn't stick with me... one phrase did.

It was the phrase I chose to write on my mirror so that when I looked in it at my own reflection, I would be reminded..."BECOME THE ONE".  Every time I looked in that mirror, I was reminded that while I couldn't control which guys were attracted to me or which guy asked me out, I COULD control the person I was becoming.  I could focus on making myself the best version of me possible, and for the first time in my life realized that I would attract the right guy when I became the right girl.

Let me be the first to say that I am no expert here... but I do know I have a lot of friends who may need to be reminded of the same thing I was taught two years ago.

Donald Miller (author of Christian books such as Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years) wrote a blog post today about living a great love story.  He is recently engaged and is what I consider to be a great man of Christ.  I would strongly suggest that all my single girl-friends read his blog post from today (http://donmilleris.com/2011/08/02/how-to-live-a-great-love-story/).  Tomorrow he'll be speaking to the guys, and I'm excited to read that as well.

His blog did focus mostly on girls not being "easy" so I tweeted him to ask what he would say to the good girls who were still managing to attract the wrong guys... He actually responded (I was even more excited than when I realized Justin Bieber was following me on Twitter as I actually care what DM has to say).  His response was simply, "they have to turn them down.  Guys know when they aren't wanted".

So girls, don't waste your time on the wrong ones... even if you're lonely.  Donald Miller says so!