Pssst, I've Moved.

For anyone who still reads this blog; I've moved to southernsinfulbliss.com

WE TEMPORARILY INTERRUPT....

Hi ya folks. A reminder that THIS blog may be down for the next 12 to 72 hours. I am moving it. I'll still have the same address, I just won't be Blogspot anymore.

Stay tuned.....

I'm Losing My Edge

This morning I walked into the gym and struck up a conversation with a gal I see there all the time.

You see, usually I walk in all grumpy and scowling at everyone because 1) it is 5:00 AM, and 2) it is 5:00 AM and I'm there to torture this old body with exercise, and 3) it is 5:00 AM.

Last week when I started running up to the YMCA instead of driving, I met this lady by complete accident at one of the intersections. She had apparently decided to ride her bike instead of driving. We didn't really say anything to each other and she went on her way up to the YMCA and I arrived a few minutes later.

Today when I walked in I saw her on the machine next to the one I was about to get on and I suddenly found myself blurting out, "Did you ride your bike this morning?" She surprised me by engaging me in conversation and was very pleasant. I found myself talking and talking and talking within a 30 to 40 second period telling her all about how I am running a 5K and how I quit smoking and blah blah blah. I could not SHUT UP. Even WHILE I was talking my brain was saying, "What the hell are you doing? Just shut up." I didn't know what just happened but it had all appearances of a decent short pleasant conversation with another human being.

I'm losing my edge with all this running and feel good crap.

Heh. I love it.

I'm Running

So last week a girlfriend of mine invites me to run a 5K with her, just right out of the blue like that! My very first thought was, "Um, thanks but no." Besides, it was going to be all the way in Fayetteville, Tennessee (a whole 30 minutes up the road).

While I have been working out for the past year or so, it has been all indoors at the gym and on the tread climber. I thought I was getting a pretty decent work out this way and so I didn't want to rock the boat any further. I already dreaded my morning routine workout and I didn't want to upset any of it since I had worked so hard at getting used to working out at the ungodly hour of 5:00 AM.

Why on earth would I want to run a 5K? In Fayetteville, Tennessee? Outside in the heat? And apparently on a farm?!

I ended up going anyway. You see, my theory lately has been to try something different and step outside that comfort zone. This new theory of mine was put into place when I went to New York City last month and my whole outlook on life has changed since then.

So I went with my girlfriend on the 5K run in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Outside in the heat. On a farm.

The last time I ran any sort of distance, on purpose, outside in the heat, was when I was in the Navy some 20+ years ago. Even then I only did it once - 6 miles. Sure we had our yearly Physical Training we had to perform and run 1.5 miles under a certain amount of time and the older I become the more difficult it was to complete even when I jumped up into a longer time allowance, or age bracket.

Did I mention I smoked back then too? In the Navy and even up until a week ago? You know, a week ago when I ran that 5K with my girlfriend in Fayetteville, Tennessee? Outside in the heat? On a farm? Yeah.

Well, let me tell you something ... I had a blast in Fayetteville, Tennessee outside in the heat, running a 5K on a farm. I am addicted and we will run our second 5K this coming Friday in The Shoals area of Alabama benefiting St. Jude's Hospital.

The 5K in Fayetteville, Tennessee was also for a good cause; Run For Ella.

Since my big 5K debut in Tennessee I have been running nonstop. I'm looking forward to the next 5K this Friday. Listen, I am NOT a fit and in shape kind of gal, nor am I thin by any means but I plan to START being a healthy, in-shape, and lean kind of gal from now on.

I've quit smoking. My last cigarette was on the evening I ran my first 5k last Saturday (June 27th). I've been running 1.5 to 2 miles each morning; Monday thru Friday and soon I'll add the weekends too.

Running has become my new addiction. I love it and I get that "runner's high" that people talk about. It's amazing, all of my "blues and blahs" have fallen away and I feel GREAT! I feel like I could conquer the world.

So if you want to change your mood and step outside your comfort zone, do it with a pair of running shoes.

Now I seriously need an iPod.

Stay Tuned

A new design is on the way via Tammy Designs.

Oh, and when she does the switch-over be prepared for no blog access fro 12 - 72 hours. I'll try to give you at least a day's heads up. Yeah, like I have so many readers. LOL

Big new things in store for Southern Sinful Bliss.

Stay tuned,

Checkin' In

Good evening my lovies. It is 9:00pm and I'm exhausted. It is a grateful exhaustion for it means I have been productive and fruitful.

There is so much I want to blog about and tell you. I have all sorts of blog ideas to run with but there isn't enough hours in the day I tell ya. It's all good though. I am NOT NOT NOT complaining.

It's been a great two weeks.

OH, and I also have to write about my New York trip accompanied by pictures galore too.

One thing I will tell you right now is that I am thinking of moving this blog to wordpress and doing a re-design. It won't be anything too drastic because I do like my banner as it is but the layout may be a little more clean and crisp when it is done. I don't know when I will do this but hopefully it will be soon.

The weekend is coming up so MAYBE I will have some time to get some blogging done. Hmmmm, with a critical book review due, a press release to write, and some articles to do for a new publication coming out....well....the time will be tight but I can do it. I can squeeze out a blog entry or two for you. ;-)

Anyway, stay tuned my love bunnies.

In the meantime, go out and be fruitful and have a joy-filled day. Go spread some sunshine. it does the soul good.

Julie/Julia

August 7th can't get here fast enough!



Man oh man, another movie from Nora Ephron. I can't wait for August 7th. I can't decide if I want to see it with the girls, myself, or with The Gent? Hmmm, maybe do all three because I can tell this is going to be one of my new favorite movies. I got all emotional when I watched this trailer and I watch it over and over and over again.

Makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Things I've Learned

Well, the title of this particular blog post is a little off. Yes, I have learned these things I'm about to list but I learned them a while back and along the way but somewhere on my journey I had forgotten most of them.

I don't know what happened to me but I was in one heck of a dry spell for some time. It was probably necessary. Today, though, I am experiencing growth

Since my New York City trip, and being able to get away from an ordinary fixed routine, I was able to breathe again and let these lessons come back to me. Then again, some of these things are fresh, shiny, and new lessons I've learned recently.

1. Surround yourself with encouraging, positive people.
2. Keep a positive attitude - there is always a silver lining.
3. Think before you speak.
4. Pray, even when you don't want to.
5. God is in charge.
6. Stepping out of that comfort zone is ALWAYS good.
7. Listening can change your outlook.
8. Give thanks.
9. Be nice to others - give a compliment and encourage others. Think of others.
10. Coffee from street vendors in New York City is some of the best I've ever had! Just seeing if you are paying attention, although it is something I learned recently.
11. If you ask, you shall receive.
12. Taking action gets results.
13. We all have a common bond - the human condition. We all want to help each other out. People are good in nature.
14. Facing your fears takes practice and it builds confidence.

Well, I could go on and on here. I think you get the picture.

Living, It Does The Soul Good

Good evening. Yes, it has been a while since I blogged anything. My life has suddenly become busy. It is good.

I went to New York City last week; Thursday through Sunday and I've been nonstop since my return. But oh what a trip NYC was. I have a ton of pictures to post. The Big Apple was everything I thought it would be and more. I definitely need to move there. Not now of course but perhaps when the kids are grown and off doing their own thing.

There is a lot more going on in my life and it is all good. Good things are happening.

For now, I need to get off of the computer and eat dinner with the family and then I need to study for a test tomorrow. Oh yeah, I should probably start that book I need to read so I can get my critical book review done for class as well. That paper isn't due until the first part of July but I need to get started.

My calendar is full for the rest of the week and filling up for next week too. Things are happening and it is exciting.

Personally, I think everyone needs to get away from their regular every day routine life and work for a few days and I think they should do it every two months. It should be mandatory. It does the soul good.

Is there somewhere you've been wanting to visit? Then go! Book a flight and go. Schedule some time off and go! As the saying goes, "life is not a dress rehearsal." Start living the life you were meant to live. If you don't know what that life is then start trying to figure it out. You once had a passion for something I'm sure before you got caught up in the rat race. That is another reason to take some time off for yourself and go visit that place you have always wanted to see. GO. GO NOW. Really, there is no excuse.

Trust me,

Koko Taylor, RIP

Well damn it to hell. One of my all time favorite blues person has died today. I know we are all on our way, but still.

Koko Taylor - Rest In Peace beautiful soulful lady. I sure did love you and will continue to do so.

If you don't know who Koko Taylor is then go visit this website and read the short bio. She has quite a story. There is something about her that just stirs my soul and makes my heart swell up with nothing but goodness. She was a beautiful person inside and out.

Check out all the pictures on her website too. Man oh man, seeing all those brilliant smiles made me exhale deeply with gratitude for her life and music.

I never had a real desire to visit Chicago but now I think I will put it on my list of things to do before I die. I want to go and see her place.

Rest In Peace to the Queen of Blues

1928 - 2009