Accelerated Reedr.

[acceleratedreedr]

Whistle While You Work.

Working girl is back. Christmas break means logging hours at the office for this girl. No, I’m not complaining. Just stating a fact and counting down the minutes until happy hour.

But here’s a little Christmas mix I put together that helped to while away the work day.

[acceleratedreedr]

[acceleratedreedr]

Home again, home again.

Thanks to my Dad and the best co-worker ever (Abby McAtee cough cough), I returned to my home sweet home late last night. It was a rough drive, but it did the job and got me home just in time for my baby cousin’s baptism and my dad’s big role as Santa Claus at my church’s pancake breakfast.

Little Terri Lynne ^

Santaaaa!!! I really do know him!!!

It’s been a whirlwind of activities since I returned, but unbelievably wonderful to be back with all my family. And I can’t even tell you how many laughs I had today, just watching kids be kids. Best of all was the love that freely flowed from those both young and old. It’s the spirit of the season that needs no rhyme or reason.

And yes, I did get to tell Santa what I want for Christmas.

But apparently the hottest item this Christmas isn't an iPod or a Barbie. It's duct tape. 

Merry Christmas Y'all. 9 days and counting!

[acceleratedreedr]

Lately.

CERAMICS

My art appreciation has surpassed a gen-ed class and traveled into the world of production. Signing up for a ceramics class has been one of the best things this fall. I've enjoyed new friends, new challenges, and a collection of new drinkware.

  SUITCASE LIVING

Williamsburg, VA--> Fall Break

Chicago, IL--> Mom's 50th Birthday

New Orleans, LA--> Research project...but also some fun.

A ROYAL ACCOMPLISHMENT

I, Reed Richardson, lover of words but hater of long papers have succeeded in completing a senior thesis. I'm not going to pretend that I loved it, but my topic wasn't too bad. Just, you know, studying the media coverage of Charles and Diana's wedding compared to Will and Kate's. It drained me of a lot of free time and energy, but it's wonderful to be able to say that I, Reed Richardson, composed a 27 page research paper. (History and religion majors, please don't squash my pride.) 

HANGOUTS

Despite my lack of free time and extra cash, I've delighted in new hangouts and eateries. My friends can always convince me to take an hour-long break from work, which then of course turns into a whole night on the town.

Just to name a few of Birmingham's best....

Dram. J. Clyde's. El Barrio. Chez Fon Fon. Church Street Coffee & Books.

That about wraps it up.10 days until my tender Tennessee Christmas and lots of shopping to do!

Until the Alabama border turns to Tennessee,

Accelerated ReedR

[acceleratedreedr]

Best free gift with purchase EVAAAA #blackfriday

[acceleratedreedr]

Oh man I'm a big fan.

[acceleratedreedr]

I swear my body thinks it's winter today.

All I wanna do is curl up on the couch amidst cozy blankets and fluffy pillows with a cup of hot chocolate.

So if you need me--that's where I'll be.

Long-sleeve love,

[acceleratedreedr]

Dorm Life: From Dreary to Delightful by juliareed on Polyvore

Living in a college dorm room is often new and exciting for those cute little freshmen getting their first taste of freedom. But then you get to your junior and senior year  and you crave the put-together coziness of your parent's home....or at least I do. These four small tips are tricks you can apply to your own dorm for happier and wholesome living.  

Attic Frame - Sea 5 x 7 / Coastal Color Beach Driftwood 4" x 6" Picture Photo Frame / Yankee Candle Electric Home Fragrance Clean Cotton, $32 / Regina Andrew Lighting Aqua Glass Ripple Lamp - contemporary - table... / Short Sunflower Bouquet Clear Glass Rect. Vase* / Peridot Bagatelle Scented Reeds, $71 / allen roth 10-Light Clear Edison Bulb Patio String Lights / Variegated Dieffenbachia w/Large Hexagon Silk Plant

[acceleratedreedr]

Senior year.

I guess it’s finally arrived. And of course there are a million emotions brewing within me.

I feel old. I feel optimistic. I feel excited. I feel mature. I feel uncertain.  

And now that I have my planner crammed with deadlines, assignments, holidays, meetings and everything else you could ever imagine, you can add overwhelmed and busy to the list as well.

But for once, I also feel confident that I can handle it. And those are words you NEVER hear this hot little mess utter. 

Believe it or not--I'm going to step back, relax and let everything soak in until my fingers get pruny.

This year is full of new acquaintances, new opportunities, new residencies, new classes, and new responsibilities that I can't wait to experience. If I just sit still and know that God is near, I can do all things.

I feel like this year will operate at warp speed, but I feel like I might just be ready to graduate by the time May rolls around.

[acceleratedreedr]

Just Listen.

If you feel like hearing some quality music, put this playlist to good use pretty please. It's a melting pot of genres and artists that just seem to suit each other. Play, repeat, rewind as necessary. And if you don't like it--remember I didn't force you to listen, I just strongly suggested.  

[acceleratedreedr]

Summer Reading

I am the dork that constantly yearns for a great read.

I'm not talking about school-assigned literature that comes with the pressure of a looming deadline and humdrum content.

I'm talking about the best sellers, the guilty pleasures, the fictional novels, the self-helps, the d-i-y manuals, the murder mysteries, the tear-jerkers, the readable classics, the celebrity attempts, and of course there's the Bible.

As a college student I especially look forward to summer reading because time to read  self-selected books usually doesn't exist during the school year.

I was too occupied to tackle all my books this summer, but I managed to read two that I would highly recommend.

1. BOSSYPANTS

Seriously THE funniest book I have EVER read.

There aren't too many books where my reading will disturb others in the room, but Bossypants left me cackling and howling till my sides hurt. I kept begging others to let me read excerpts over and over until I was exiled from the room. It was a wonderful look into a humble celebrity's life and almost like a backstage pass to the world of SNL. If I ever can get my book club to start up, this will be a must-read.

2. CITY OF LOST SOULS

Remember the phrase, "Don't judge a book by it's cover?" Apply that here as necessary.

Although it appears to be a cheesy magical romance novel, that's only 10% of the book. City of Lost Souls marks the fifth edition in a riveting series that comes close to Harry Potter level. It shares the hidden world of Shadowhunters who fight off demons and similar evil-doers all for the sake of protecting the mundanes (humans) of this world. This means nothing to you until you read Book One, City of Bones. Get crackin' because there's a movie in the works and we all know it's better to read the book first. I promise you it will be worth it!

I'm always looking for new hardcopies to pick up, so let me know if you have any favorite reads yourself!

Lots of love and literature,

[acceleratedreedr]

Mind-blown.

I could list a multitude of reasons as to why I love to read. For now, I'll just stick with one.

Reason #252: People's opinions and advice can have mind-blowing effects.

One simple statement but a few words long can alter your awareness to bigger and better things.

My mind-blown moment today:

Consider this: If you hold a dictionary in your hand, you are holding every novel, short story, essay, nonfiction book, and poem ever written. To discover these works, all you have to do is rearrange all the words of the dictionary into the needed patterns.

--Dr. Dennis E. Hensley 

Powerful, huh?

[acceleratedreedr]

Visit Original Link

Noah Guthrie knows that acoustic is the key to a melody's extreme makeover.

[acceleratedreedr]

Coffee Snob.

Today I breached a significant point in my relationship with coffee. I don't know whether to be proud or embarrassed, but either way it happened. 

I had my first coffee snob experience.

For the sake of the coffee shop's reputation, the business shall remain unnamed. But I can easily be persuaded if you'd really like to know.

I wasn't rude and I wasn't refunded by demand, but there was definitely a face. That "Ew this gross-but I want to like it-but it's just not good-but I paid for it-but it's gross-but you're watching me so I'll drink it" kind of face.

Oh good--so you know what I'm talking about.

[acceleratedreedr]

The Big Bang.

July 4th.

I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite holiday with Thanksgiving coming in for a close second. I mean what’s better than a work-free day, celebrating independence pool-side, with good food and good company?

The sun warms you up, the water cools you down and those things called fireworks sure are purty.

Another successful Independence Day in the books. 

[acceleratedreedr]

How 'bout them Apples?

Stumbled upon this today. Well, really Yahoo directed me. So did you know?? Did you know that in the 80s Apple had their own fashion line?!? Frankly I'd like to know what happened. I say ditch the iPads and Macs--this looks like a vintage gold mine.

Now if only they had apple-shaped sunglasses...

[acceleratedreedr]

*Working Girl Lunch 23.

Today I am thankful for my lunch break outside—an hour of me, myself, and my peanut butter sandwich.

About a week ago I finally stumbled upon a nook at the office where I could get away from the desk for fresh air (without having to take money out of my wallet.) It’s this shaded gravel hideaway with two little picnic tables and a nice breeze despite the brutal scorcher we have going on in the South. It’s great. I get to be outdoors, I get to escape fluorescent lighting, I get to read my books and eat in peace. Well…that is, if I time it right.

You see I am not the only one who has discovered this little gold mine.

Apparently I have invaded the designated territory of all the smoking Sams and Sallys. So today I got the cold shoulder. Picnic table #1 filled up and I was hogging a six-seater all to myself. Smoking Sally walked right up to my table, looked me in the eye and said….nothing. Instead she plopped down five inches across from me and made sure her back was the only thing I saw.

How rude! Or maybe it’s not—maybe I’m overreacting. I am obviously new to ways of the workplace and don’t know proper etiquette for lunch table interaction. But wouldn't you at least say “Hey” or “Mind if I bench with ya?” I try my best to appear friendly and have no problem sharing—especially when there is room to spare.

I suppose awkward silences and interactions with strangers are just a part of life. And they sure make for good blog posts.

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*This is not supposed to imply that I despise smokers, only what they do.