So here is a pic from the other night when we sat out for SNL tickets!  Oh yeah that is definitely Horatio between Susan and Kim.  There are some more pics on my friend Kim's (kimkmcil) site.  It was so much fun.  I didn't get to talk to Andy Samberg, but those days are soon to come.  Him and Seth Meyers did wave at us as they got a cab though.  I am thinking about maybe dumping John Mayer for Andy.  And for those of you who know me that is HUGE! 

There are also some pics of our new friends playing twister...quite a sight I must say. 

Anyone up for a trip to New York?  There is always something to do.  By the way, in case I haven't mentioned this in a while, I love New York and I love my job!

photo from kimkmcil

Tonight I saw my kindergarten boyfriend Prince perform at the dress rehearsel of SNL!  It was so awesome!  Steve Martin was the host and there was a special appearance from Alec Baldwin and Jimmy Fallon!  We sat out for 13 hours Friday night and had the best time.  The weather was perfect and couldn't have been better. 

Cool thing about it was the friends we made.  Yes they are all theater majors, and they kept us entertained with their dance routines and Twister challenges and their drama!!! 

I love New York city and I am so blessed to be a part of what God is doing here.  Words can't describe how I feel about what God is doing in my life right now.

My God, How Great Thou Art...

well my friends, fellow bloggers.  most of ya'll know me.  i am typically a country music fan and lover of the pop music.  however, i have just broaden my horizons.  now, i am obsessed with r&b and rap music.  it truly speaks to the soul that is within me.  i mean i have come to love everything from outkast (even as far back as ALiens, Luda, youngbloods, Jay-Z (the black album was amazing), and the throwbacks with the likes of run dmc, and ladies love cool james (llcoolj for those of who aren't in the know).

rap is new boo jam.

holla back
m

hey world.

just wanted everyone on the information superhighway to know that brett younker moved to new york city yesterday.  he is sooooo cool.  can't believe that he is finally here.  i mean, he is no john mayer or gavin degraw, but he is soooo cool.

g2g my peeps.  holla.

m

So last night my lovely friend Lacy Evans told me about this song by Chris Cagle titled "Maria".

I wanted to share the chorus with you...

this made me laugh out loud...

hopefully one day soon this will be true...


Maria

Your kisses knock me over

Make me drunk and then leave me sober

They let me know that I'm a man

Maria

Your touch, it almost kills me

Then it turns around and heals me

I get lost and found again

In the arms of a woman that a mother gave the name Maria

Tender power

The gift she gives me gets me through the day

Midnight hour

I reach across the bed where she lay

Then I look up and see the moon dance on her skin

My heart starts poundin' once again

It's a sweet intoxication, a powerful frustration

How I want her, oh how I need her

16 days till I'm in the Boro!!!  

So I took the Napolean quiz...and of course, I am LaFawnduh!!

Thanks for the quiz Kim...it made me laugh!

photo from mariahaun

The Gallery Church had their first mission team this past week. The Win Shape program from Berry College brought eight people to help us pass out Relevant magazines at NYU.

This was my first team and I have learned so much from them and this experience. These are some of the things I have learned...

1. God is in control.

2. Confidence is a miracle worker.

3. Did I mention God is in control?

I learned alot more, but most importantly God just kept reminding me that it's about Him and not about me or anyone else for that matter. He is in control and His plans will prevail.

Overall it was a great weekend.

So those of you who know me, know that I love John Mayer. Well last night the John Mayer Trio was in New York playing at the Beacon Theater. I didn't have tickets because the show was sold out. To make a long story short, I got a FREE ticket! The show was amazing! Susan "my tall friend" got this picture for me after the show. Life is sweet!




photo from mariahaun

Well I am in Oxford, MS right now with some friends from this summer...Laura, Becca, Giraffe, and Josh. It has been nice to see trees and grass and spaces. Last night I drove to Wal-Mart. That is the first time I have driven in 4 months and the first time I have been to Wal-Mart in 4 months.

My vacation has been jammed packed full of goodies...staying with the Hardings, going to an Auburn game (War Eagle Hey!), going to McCalisters for Chicken Tortilla soup, being in the heat and humidity, Sonice Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke, and tons of other great things.

I love New York and I am so excited to be a part of God's story there, but my heart loves the South. I love southern hospitality and bad driving. I can't wait to go home in a couple of months to be with my family.

Only two more days of vacation and then back NYC!!!

This is a random note...the first time I went to China, Justin Vance and I were walking back to the girls' apartment and he was singing a country song and it said something about sweet tea. We both stopped and looked at each other like that was the sweetest words to our ears. Ellie and I make sweet tea in NY, but it doesn't compare to Southern sweet tea!!! Thank God for sweet tea!

My mom is coming in town this weekend. I am so excited to have some of home here in the city. I don't know that we are going to do anything special, but she is bringing all her new movies that she has bought...The new Pooh Heffalump Halloween movie, Ice Princess, Because of Winn Dixie, and I don't even know what else. When my mom would come to visit me in the Boro this is what she would always do...bring her new kid movies over.

If you know me, you know how much I love my Mom. She is an amazing woman of God. She nags me about money and going to the doctor when I feel bad. And with these things, I know she cares. She is a child at heart and always will be.

If you don't know me then you don't know that my Mom got married when she was 16 and had me when she was 17. She gave up her childhood so that I could live my life and reach for my dreams. I can't remember a time when she didn't make me breakfast before I went to school or make extra dinner when I unexpectedly brought 4 or 5 of my friends home. She has never missed anything that I have performed in...this even counts college. She rearranged her life for me and my brother.

I am so blessed to have a Mother and Father who love me and are understanding when I tell them that I want to move thousands of miles away to pursue God's heart instead of the music business. That to live a life of comfort is just not in the cards for me.

I hope one day that I get the chance to be like my Mother with my own children.

I didn't intend for this to be so sentimental and sappy, but just share that I am way excited to see my Mom tomorrow. It's like waiting up all night on Christmas Eve in the hopes of getting to see a glimpse of Santa Claus, but this is even better because she is REAL and I get to hang out with her for three whole days!

If you call this weekend and I don't answer...it's because I am hanging out with my MOM!!!!!

So if my aunt and uncle weren't coming to NY this weekend, I would totally be on a plane to Nashville. Plane tickets are $139 roundtrip from LaGuardia this weekend to Nashville. Well, I'll be there in a couple of months so I guess I'll just have to wait till then.

So my Mom called me this morning and told me she put money on my Starbucks card! I was way excited. Since moving to New York, I have become a coffee drinker. I also started eating yogurt covered raisins...thanks to my roomie Ellie. Which by the way, I miss you bunches and I am ready for you to come back.

So I am waiting on Meredith to finish what she is doing so we can go to her place and make dinner. We are planning on making chicken salad and watching either Spanglish or Miss Congeniality 2. Netflix is the greatest thing ever. I just pick what movies I want and they come to my mailbox. It is terrific!

It's only two more weeks till The Gilmore Girls season starts! If you haven't watched the show, you are missing out. The night before Ellie left for the Boro, we watched eight episodes of the third season. I think I am addicted.

Well...I am hoping that Meredith is almost ready, but if you know Meredith...you know I will probably be waiting another 10 or 15 minutes. You gotta love her!

photo from paint_the_town

I really don't like this picture of my self, but I think it may be the only one of me and Rachael.

So I wanted to share it with everyone on Phusebox.

Rachael...hope you have a great day!

anyone know a good joke?

i need some laughter in my life today.

So my roomie Ellie has left me for 10 days to go and spend some time with her family and friends in the Boro. We joked about packing me in her suitcase and going with her. Then Nathan informed us that the pressure would cause my ear drums to bust and then I wouldn't have been able to hear anything that ya'll would be saying. So we decided that wouldn't be any fun and it's probably better that I stay here in the city. My time to come and visit will be here before long.

Tonight a bunch of us are going to see The Muppets Take Manhattan in Central Park. I am way excited about it! So I will definitely let ya'll know how that goes.

To my peeps in the Boro...I love you and miss you bunche! Be good!

Elles...have a good time and give everyone a hug for me! And hurry up and get back!

So what does your name mean?

http://www.bostonuk.com/names/default.asp

I don't know how to make this a link so just copy it and go to the site. It's funny to see what it has to say.

Sereta Maria Haun means...

Very much an individual with a charismatic personality and keen mind you attract many admirers and much affection. You are extremely sociable and build relationships with honesty, trust and a good sense of humour. You have great potential for material success using your intellectual skills possibly in writing or speaking. Your industry, determination and positive mental attitude always win out.

So I feel like I am in a Friends episode. The woman in the building across from our office was curled up in the window eating something in a bowl with no clothes on. She didn't even care if we could see her or not. It blows my mind!

So last night, all my friends in the Boro were hanging out. It was nice. I called Lacy and then the phone got passed around to all my friends. It was nice to hear all their voices.

Home is where your heart is. And lately I have been extremely homesick. I don't know that it is for a certain place...Clinton, Murfreesboro, or New York. I miss all my friends and family. The people who I have grown so close to over the years or even as short of time as a week.

Thank you to the people who hold such a huge place in my heart. Even though I am not with you, know I love you all very much and miss you.

And if you feel like it, you can always come to New York. I mean there's always room for more Southerners.

Yesterday was a good day! Meredith and I went to Staten Island to hear our friend George Ippolitto preach. He is such a passionate speaker. He did a great job!! He introduced us to the congregation as "missionaries" and I for the first time realized that is what I am. It was a very humbling realization.

The subway was totally messed up because of construction so it took a while for us to get around. I took a cab, then the 2 train, then a shuttle bus to the ferry, then a ferry to Staten Island, and then hopped on a church van to go to George's church.

I spent the afternoon with Lane and Hodg-E. I had the best time with them. We talked for hours just catching up on each other and then watched a movie. We went to dinner at a restaurant on a street that reminded me of Harry Potter. On our way back, it began to rain. So to that I must say I got soaking wet. It was fun though. All of us running from cover to cover. It was quite a sight.

When I finally headed home, the 2 train was closed down at their apartment because of floods. To make a long story short, let me just say that it took me an hour and a half to get home. It normally takes about 30 or so minutes. And when I finally made it to where I needed to be, it started pouring again. And so I got drenched again.

All in all, as many mishaps as there were, I had a wonderful day. I love this city!

Did anyone else see Ron Moore doing the Cha-Cha slide? I didn't but when I got my camera back from Kelsey...this picture was there.





photo from mariahaun

Well...in case anyone didn't know, I absolutely LOVE this city. There is no where else I would rather be in this season of my life. I am surrounded by great friends, neverending opportunities, and adventure around every corner.

Today as we sat in our staff meeting, I began to think about where I could possibly be if I wasn't here in New York. And no where came to mind that could replace this amazing city.

And I know that there is hustle and bustle and that New York isn't for everyone, but each day I am here, I get overwhelmed with joy to see God working in the people around me and this city.

Paint the Town was a blast. Of course, when putting on such an event, there will always be things that go wrong and things that should have been done differently. That week just confirmed in me that God isn't giving up on this city or the people.

God is awesome! And He never fails to amaze me! He doesn't need my help, but yet He wants me to play a part in His story. No matter how small the part or unimportant others may think it is, I am honored to be a word or two in His great plan.

So today Jenny and I went to Big Nick's (yes, Carla...this is the same restaurant that Aaron took us to when we came) and we sat outside. The weather was so nice. I hope Fall is on it's way because I can't wait!!! The whole thing made me think of "You've Got Mail". It made me want to buy newly sharpened pencils and daisies.

School is starting back up for all my friends back home and for the first time I will not be attending with them. I love this time of year! Anyone up for a game of Tag Football. And soon it will be the holidays and I will get to go home and see my Family.

Today is a good day!

And did I mention...my roomie comes home tonight!

So this weekend, I did absolutely nothing. Well, I did do my laundry all day on Saturday. But I didn't bath for two days and I just chilled. Gross yes I know, but it was nice to just be by myself.

I am looking forward to Ellie and Meredith being back. It has been weird not seeing their faces everyday.

I am trying to convince someone to go see "Regis and Kelly" with me tomorrow. We would have to wait for Standby tickets, but I think it would be so much fun. Kate Hudson and Paul Rudd are going to be on tomorrow.

The office isn't the same without Tag and Laura. I miss them both dearly. The vibe is very different now.

I talked to Tacoya the other night and it totally made me miss The Boro!! I am looking forward to visiting there in November while I am home for Thanksgiving.

I think next week we are going to Six Flags!!! And I am going to Pennsylvania to see Sara Demerchant. So big trips coming up!!!

Aye with the poodles! (watch Gilmore Girls and you will know what I am talking about)

So Paint the Town is finally over and I feel like my life has been given back to me. Whether that is a good thing or not, I am not quite sure. Monday and Tuesday , Aaron gave us the days off so I definitely did a lot of sleeping. I think my body should be recovering by now.

If you called me during that week, my apologies. I have a long list of people to return phone calls to and it will probably take me a week to get through them all.

I must say that last week was very eye-opening for me. Everyday I knew more and more that this is where God has called me to be (even the day my booty got grabbed...whole nother story in itself). I made some really great friends and I am looking forward to seeing how those friendships grow in the future. I learned a lot about myself and the people I work with. I also learned a lot about putting on a big event. First of all, it's not easy.

To my Belle Aire friends, forgive me for not spending much time with ya'll. I miss you all dearly and can't wait to see you when I come and visit in November. Justin you are a doll and I love you. To my new friends...I am thankful that I got to meet you.

Ellie is out of town this week...so I am sad and lonely at the apartment. Last night, I couldn't sleep because of the coffee at 9 and Fresh Wind Fresh Fire scared me (that is a whole nother story too).

Well I need to be getting to work. I will fill everyone in on the last couple of weeks.

so i went to the beach this last weekend and i think that i might actually be lighter than before i went. i desperately need a tan.

can't really describe to anyone what is going on in my head right now. i think it is just to survive. working on paint the town is a killer. there are ten million and one things that need to get done before the week starts and ten million and two things to do during that week. i some times feel like i am swimming in a sea of craziness.

so it is official i miss murfreesboro today. all my friends, driving down greenland, being at belle aire...i miss the things of the past of the boro. cause if i was there now it wouldn't be the things that i am missing. all of my posse is pretty much gone for the summer, the hardings live in another state, my old roomies wouldn't be around...so actually today i miss the past. don't get me wrong, i love ny and love what is ahead in the future...just remininscing (i think that is how you spell it)

so to all the ones i loved before...i miss you and still love ya. take care.