Growing Up on Clemons Road

When I was a boy

Four houses down from me

Was a family with an only child

She was the only girl

In this whole world who could make me smile

Down the road

I made up reasons to go

Down the road

Somewhere inside of me

There was something she took a liking to

And I asked her to marry me

She said she really wanted to

Down the road

To see what life’s gonna hold

Down the road

Her momma wants to know

If I’m washed in the blood or just in the water

Her daddy wants to know

If I make enough to take his daughter

Down the road

Before he can let her go

Down the road

My First, Friend Forever at Auburn

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” –Psalm 73:26

Stephanie was reading Captivating by John Eldredge when we had our first conversation on Auburn’ s concourse outside of Parker Hall while we anxiously waited to find out which sororities had asked us back after Ice Water Teas. We have been best friends ever since, and my college experience would not have been the same without her. I can’t imagine not having her in my life, and I am so thankful God placed us in the same Pi Chi group. She always gives me words of wisdom.

from Chasley B. to Carrie B.

When a Presidential Candidate runs for office, he selects someone to be by his side throughout his campaign. Someone who shares the same morals and beliefs, and someone who will help him win the vote of the population because he is confident they will be proud of his selection. Someone who displays passion, respect and concern, someone who encourages him, and someone he can look to for guidance. He chooses someone who is uplifting and supportive, and someone who he sees eye to eye with and agrees on the same future goals. He chooses someone to keep him accountable, and someone he trusts, as this person is a representation of himself. He is looking for someone who he is better together with. So why do we enter into relationships with someone who represents us unequally, someone our friends disapprove, and someone we hide from our parents? The President doesn’t, so why should we?

Beaming and Beautiful

Yesterday, my Yahoo! Homepage featured an article with the title of “Teen Pregnancy Rate Up after 10 Year Decline”, and I could not get the headline off my mind. The entire day I thought about the topic because it broke my heart. Most people believe the reason I want daughters is so I can tie pink ribbons in their hot rolled hair, but the true reason is so I can raise them in a Christian home and send them into the world with a solid foundation. I’ve never been in the backseat of a car with a boy on a dark and dead end road, but I do know the temptations girls face. I have listened to girls as they talk about the physical temptations they have given into, and my heart goes out to them, because we live in a world that is so deceiving. In conversations, some girls say it’s too late for them to change and to have their innocence back, but it’s not. God is forgiving, and only He can renew a pure heart. Part of me, well actually, most of me, wants to give up my job search, and go town to town ministering to young girls. It is where my heart belongs, and it is why I tell Anna Margaret every opportunity I have, how much she means to me. My battle isn’t over, and I am still fighting the good fight. I have my family to thank as they continue to invest their lives into their cousin, niece, granddaughter or daughter. I have my friends to thank as they encourage me on my walk with the Lord. But ultimately, I have God to thank for placing the most amazing people on my path, for protecting my heart and for guiding my life. Without Him, I would be lost.

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Carry On, Kick Line

My dad and I share the same humor. We make each other laugh, and my favorite moments are when he puts his head down and chuckles at my remarks. I never have to demand for his attention very much, but I can recall a recent time when I was forced to form a solo kick line in front of the living room television. Apparently, there was an important football game on, but I had something important to say. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So with Valentine’s Day approaching, I have asked my dad to buy his joyful daughter a pair of sunglasses. I’ve explained that I have never had a Santa Baby, Be Mine Valentine or Easter Honey, so this year, it would be awfully nice if I received a Valentine’s gift from him. After all, I have my father’s last name, which means he is my provider. However, if a time comes that I share a gift exchange with a boy, we will not splurge on gifts. A twenty-five dollar homemade gift will be the regulations. Bringing a boy into the picture is not an excuse for me to make my Christmas Wish List longer. Stayed tuned to learn if my persuasive points encourage my dad to purchase the super sexy shades!

Swipe of Approval

It was no surprise when my mother stated at lunch the other day that I would have never gone to Italy if it were not for Amanda. I reflect on all the times that she has been there for me. She wants the best for me, and she has shown that throughout our friendship. Whether it was a Tory Burch purchase or a date to a formal, she has always given me her honest opinion. I can’t thank her enough for always giving me the advice I need. Amanda, our relationship has always been based on trust, and I think your new credit card company should have the same foundation, so here is a thank you for all those times you have been there for me. I have researched your new plastic accessory, and I hope it leaves you shopping happy.

Seeing Double

Michelle Williams at the Academy Awards in 2006 and Diane Kruger at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night.

Even Steven

2, 4, 6, 8 sorry this one’s a little late! My father would describe me as particular, but I get it honest. I’m a very visual person. In sports, I always selected even numbers to wear on my jerseys. My basketball number was 10, and my volleyball number was 8. While riding around town, if the volume on the display screen denotes an odd number, it is quickly changed. Odd numbers are an eye sore. I was born on the second of August in 1988. I graduated high school in 2006, and I was supposed to graduate college in 2010. Dates and even numbers go hand in hand, which is why I have made a plan. My parent’s are very familiar with my ridiculousness, so we were in the Atlanta Airport having lunch as we waited to catch our plane back home when I explained the proper time I should start dating someone. I need to start dating my future husband in an odd year. I want a spring wedding, and I have always said that when it happens, it will happen fast. It may be cliché, but I am a huge fan of holiday engagements. Derek asked Rebecca to marry him on Christmas Eve, so of course I have to get engaged during the holiday season as well. I plan to have a six month engagement, which means I will need a Holiday (odd year) Engagement, so that I can have my May (even year) Wedding. I guess I’ll just breeze through 2010.

Friends, Meet Mark

This summer, I always forgot about the time difference,

C: OK, so today I am sitting in class, but tomorrow we are traveling to Milan. Hello PRADA!!!

M: You better be glad I like you, because this is the third time you have woken me up at 4 AM!

I like to send him my favorite quotes from my favorite movies,

C: “Boo, you whore.”

M: We really need to get you a job.

In a phone conversation recently,

M: “I’m really glad there is just one of you. I don’t think I could handle two.”

Hot N Cold,

M: Chasley, I love you, but Alabama is about to play for the National Championship. The last thing I can think about it Katy Perry.

Sugary Plum Fairy,

M: Don’t know what’s more funny, the guy asking if you were a Coyote Ugly or that you were on a basketball team!

C: I was hoping you would like it! Please, I’ve got moves you’ve never seen AND I swoosh so much they call me Nike. Bring it.

M: You are like a combo of Bring It On and Space Jam all rolled into one.

Guiliana and Bill,

C: Not crazy about the show. I feel like they do have a good relationship though. I feel like she is dramatic. I can’t handle that.

M: You can’t handle that?!?!?!

C: No, I hate dramatic. I can’t even watch my Newlywed DVD’s. I used to be obsessed, but now Jessica Simpson’s complaining makes me sick.

M: Whatever… I’m never recommending anything else to you.

C: Give me Kirk Herbstreit.

M: Kirk and Lee?

C: Yes. ESPN.

M: Sometimes… when I talk to you… my brain hurts!

C: Why?!

M: Have you seen the movie Up?

C: No. If it’s a Dog Movie, you can count me out.

M: It’s not a Dog Movie loser.

C: Sounds too much like Air Bud.

M: This is why you make my brain hurt.

C: What is Up?

M: It’s a cartoon movie about an old man whose wife dies. He meets an inventor who made a collar that allows his dog to talk, but in every conversation, the dog gets distracted by a squirrel and then can’t remember what the conversation was about. You’re that dog.

C: Freaking Dog Movie.

C: I hate Cartoons!!!

M: THE DOG HAS A VERY SMALL PART…

M: Freaking Daffy Duck hates you too…

C: Who’s that?? Talk Zach Morris to me. That’s all I watched as a child.

M: Whatever Bayside.

C: “The double dates, the parties and the dances. Crammin’ for a mid-term until 3. The football games, the Maxin’, the romancin’.” I have every single episode on DVD. Including Wedding in Las Vegas. Eat that Valley.

M: Please, don’t ever tell that to anyone else you have the Saved by the Bell DVD’s. You will be single forever.

C: Whatever, I’ve already decided my Groom’s cake will be Saved by the Bell themed. Hope you like Mr. Belding. I’ll reserve him for you.

M: Welcome to the life of the crazy cat lady… Always wondered what she was like when she was 21.

C:I don’t like pets, unless you are talking about Maddie. Maybe I’ll just have Goldfish.

M: Frou Frou… she broke my heart.

C: I told my Mom the other day I wanted a boyfriend like Maddie. Always excited to see me. Jumps up and down after a day apart. Always willing to love me. And never a negative comment. My kind of cookie right there.

M: And hates me. Don’t forget that one.

Petal Power

Jessica Alba inspired my purple Converse purchase, so I am always interested to see her statement accessories. Lately, she has had a bundle of joy in her arms. When I saw a picture of her and her baby girl, I noticed something familiar, but it wasn’t an item of Jessica’s. It was Honor’s headband. I purchased the same headband last spring for a formal in Charleston. So, I own the exact pink flower power headband that Jessica Alba’s two-year-old child wears, lovely. Maybe it was an assured give away of my youthfulness as a bulky man in a black T-shirt took away my Florida driver’s license. I didn’t know my birth date. This led to my date playing the role of babysitter as we were stranded on the streets of Charleston, one identification short. Mary Jeanne, thank you for being so understanding.

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes: Penelope Cruz

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes: Cameron Diaz

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes: Heidi Klum

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes: Diane Kruger

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes: Lea Michele

One in Every Crowd

I consider it a privilege to live in the quant rural town where I was born and raised, so when I meet people who say they have just moved here, I greet them with open arms. At dinner with a few friends, and I was introduced to a guy who had just moved here from North Carolina. Before he could hear my name, I say, Oh my goodness, we used to date! After a few sentences of trying to convince him that I was his ghost of girlfriends past, I realized that my skit was going over like a lead balloon. I volunteered to show him around town, but he wouldn’t take the offer. Kristy explained that she thought I had scared him with my forward tactic. Jordon has a theory that my future husband will see the silly and crazy side, but still be interested in getting to know me and ask me to dinner. Then he will see the deep and serious side and just fall head over heels. But then again, what if I have already met a great potential, but I have just scared him off with my out of control demeanor. Goodness. I’ve asked my dad to hire engineers that could be potential son in laws. He said he would never set me up with anyone, because he would be too worried about how I would act on a date. This would be right after he told me I brought joy to his life. I think that’s a double standard. Someone once mentioned, they told me you were crazy. I said, oh, you been asking? I’ve thought about calming down and going back to my timid and shy days, but then I think, nah... I’d be lying to us all.

Happily Ever After

He met her when she moved to his hometown in the tenth grade, and he asked her to their junior prom. He always made her laugh, but she dated someone else. They say he always liked her, and even though they attended different colleges, he never forgot about her. When he found out she was single, he drove to Birmingham to take her to dinner. A year later, they were married in a small ceremony at a Baptist church. As girls in purple dresses preceded her, she walked down the aisle with her father to marry her best friend. They have been together for twenty-seven years, and today he is helping her celebrate her fifty first birthday. Happy Birthday Mom.

Sir Lancelot's Lover

She stood beside a man as she watched him rule a country, but she loved someone else. Her heart was with her husband’s chief knight, which led to the downfall of King Arthur’s kingdom. Her name was Guinevere. The seventh slot on the Jet Black and Jealous album is my favorite song. I have been listening to this song since last September, and the music video premiered on CMT earlier this month. The passion behind, “she once fell hard, ‘cause she dropped her guard, and no one gets to stay” is as timeless as the Renaissance tale.

Guinevere by Eli Young Band

Eli Young Band More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Shout Out for Doug

Most of the time when I explain I was shy as a child, people don’t believe my statement. I remember being in Food World as an elementary student with my mother and hoping I would not run into any of my schoolmates. But of course, there they would be with their mothers. They were probably in the frozen food section buying dinner like us. My mother’s interests do not include cooking, and she’s a vegetarian, so I was probably contemplating the choices, three cheese or vegetable lasagna. My mother has always been a strict enforcer of friendliness, which I am so thankful for looking back, but at the time I disliked the awkward encounters. At family reunions my cousins would come up, asking if 6-year-old Chasley had a boyfriend. There I would be, clinging to my mother. I would embarrass her, which is why she would never let me get away with the I’m going pretend like I don’t see you and ignore you attitude. As I got older, I got better. I wasn’t hiding my face in my mother’s side at 14, but I definitely needed a little encouragement, and that encouragement came on the first day of my sophomore year at Scottsboro High School. Doug will talk about the first time he tried talking to me. He says I just put my head down, and gave him short, to the point answers. Everyone loves him, and he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He was SGA President, starting point guard and Class Favorite just to mention a few. He sat behind me in my first class of the day, and as I sat in my desk waiting for my second class to start, in walks Doug. I don’t really know what happened for our second encounter, but somehow a friendship would form. Doug brought the silly, goofy and real me out, something that I had been holding back. I’d like the think I kept Doug in line for his senior year of high school. He attended my volleyball games, and I attended his basketball games. Every Sunday night he would call while he was working at K-Mart. I don’t really know how he got away with the forty-five minute phone calls every week, but he did. Last year during the Holiday’s, I talked Doug into meeting me at the basketball courts for a game of one on one. I missed a shot and lost a bet, so for a week last January I had to call him everyday. He claims that I slacked and missed a few days, but I would do no such thing. Still to this day, Doug and I have a great relationship. He always makes me laugh, and our phone conversation last week while he was in Kansas City was no different. Doug always gave me shout outs as he made the morning announcements at Scottsboro High School, so here’s your shout out on Chasleyland. Thanks for allowing me to be the person that I am, and taking the time to get to know the “shy, sophomore girl”.

Apple Swing

In December of 2003, a Grammy winning lead singer and an Oscar winning actress were married in a private ceremony. When Gwyneth Paltrow was asked why she didn’t have an elaborate Hollywood event to celebrate her marriage, she said she couldn’t go along with the traditional style because she didn’t have her father to walk her down the aisle. I thought that was one of the most heartbreaking things I had heard. I can’t imagine not having my father walk me down the aisle, and in the same circumstances, I might have an Elvis impersonator seal the deal. Some of my most cherished memories are the times when my hand has been tucked in the crease of my father’s arm. Whether it was on a football field or through a crowd, I was always comforted to know he was by my side. Annie and I were talking, and I told her of the story. She remembered that Chris Martin wrote Fix You for his then girlfriend, Gwyneth, after the loss of her father. This is my favorite song from Coldplay, because it displays the caring desire he has for her. I received a phone call a few days ago from one of my best friends. She was upset, and all I could do was implement my knowledge of the Bible and the comfort of God. I wanted to be there with her and hold her through this tough time. I knew I had nothing to say that could bring the comforting knowledge that she needed, so throughout our conversation, I was praying that God would give me His wisdom to comfort the friend that I dearly love, because when the ones we love are hurting, so are we.

When I found the following description, I called Annie immediately.

“Chris wrote this song for Gwyneth Paltrow after her father died. She came home from the hospital, covered and drenched in tears. He started crying and asked her, ‘What can I do’. She looked up at him and said, ‘Just hold me… because you are the only thing that can fix me right now’.”

Channel Me that Chanel

High Profile, Storybook Style

“The on-again couple” was the description beside the photograph of Jude Law and Sienna Miller on the beach that I saw yesterday. They are pretty people. Sienna Miller has style creativity that I envy as she’s on the arm of the beautiful British born actor. Paparazzi, keep snapping.

Google Down Low to iTunes

Red Light by David Nail: Nick Lachey and David Nail have similar splitsville stories.

Hot N Cold by Katy Perry: Katy uses water temperatures, but Chasley uses the North and South Poles.

On Vacation by Aimee Allen: Italian Love Affair

Doesn’t Mean Anything by Alicia Keys: “from afar, seems I had it all…”

The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Enchanted Forest

Brand New Man by Brooks and Dunn: “She didn’t belong. She was misunderstood, and she would change him forever.” A Walk to Remember mislead me.

Life Goes On by LeAnn Rimes: “I listened to this song today, and I thought of you.”-Em

Maybe by Ingrid Michaelson: I’d like to think I give people the benefit of the doubt. It’s sometimes not a good thing.

Do You Remember by Jay Sean: As I primped in our Tampa hotel room, Jay placed me in my New Year’s Eve element.

Battlefield by Jordin Sparks: I don’t argue. In fight or flight, I am flight. C ya.

Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice: I want someone to “overuse I Love You".

Nothin’ Better To Do by LeAnn Rimes: Missed Call from Mark. “Sorry! I was dancing around in my room and my music was blasting. I didn’t hear my phone ring. What’s up?!”

Couch by Russell Macklin: He was my neighbor in Creekside, and I am pleased to announce that his songs are available on iTunes. Couch is my all time favorite. Buy it.

Smile by Uncle Kracker: If you can’t be happy and put a smile on your face, get out of my way.

When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus: The Last Song trailer is inspiring.

When The Sun Goes Down In Georgia by Corey Smith: the first seven words

let it NO! let it NO! let it NO!

Meteorologists in north Alabama are predicting snow for the following few days. Well, this just can’t happen. I overheard my mother expressing her desire to be snowed in, watching movies and eating soup. I immediately introduced myself to the conversation, and instructed her not to pray for snow, but instead pray that her daughter will be able to travel south on Friday. In November, I was asked to lead a group of girls at The First Baptist Church of Jackson. I was so honored. God has placed a desire on my heart to invest time with teenage girls, and recently, he has placed six girls in my life that I have had the wonderful opportunity to build relationships with. So, this weekend, I would love to spend my time with seventh grade girls talking about the Lord. I realize that God is in control, and my time will be spent as determined by His will.

Polish on Park Avenue

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”~Carrie

There is only one reason I buy OPI Nail Polish, and it is for the names that they place on their signature colors. So, I have a proposal for the company. In May, there is a sequel hitting cinemas everywhere. The girls are back together for a second big screen event. My idea is for OPI to launch their Spring Line based on the hit HBO television series. Carrie On.

Take Your Pick and Color Me Pretty

Breakfast in Blahniks

Big’s Black Tie Affair

All About the OH!

Taxi!

Lights, Camera, Fashion

City in Style

Head to Toe in Love

Bergdorf Good Men

Heeled to Perfection

Big Apple Martini

Cheers to Us and Being Fabulous

Fendi and Friends Forever

“I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.”~Carrie

“After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.”~Big

“Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you ... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?”~Carrie

“I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!”~Carrie

“If I don't stop shopping, I'll end up a bag lady; a Fendi bag lady, but a bag lady...”~Carrie

“Well, I am not afraid of heights. Have you seen my shoes?”~Carrie

“I’m not at home, but my shoes are. Leave them a message.”~Carrie

Sugar Plum Fairy

In Tampa, I met a few of my friends for a night of dancing. I love to dance. Everyone who knows me knows this. I’m best solo, and I don’t like anyone hanging on or trying to keep up. Being babysat on the dance floor is not my idea of a good time. So, on New Year’s Eve night, I was on the dance floor when I noticed a guy in the middle of some other friends staring at me. Excuse me sir, but what are you staring at. I like my dress, but do you really like my dress. A few moments passed, and I noticed that he was making his way towards me. I thought, oh this should be good, and I hope you are bringing your A-Game. His next words were quite surprising, You’re a Coyote Ugly! I immediately starting laughing and explained that I wasn’t. He said no, no you are, I have seen you before. He seemed serious as he tried to convince me that he had seen me prancing around in one of the famous locations, but Jordan assured him that I was not. We laughed and carried on, but the guy followed me around all night. I took his comment as a compliment. I can remember the first time I saw the movie. We were having a basketball team sleepover at Mary Jeanne’s lake house, and her mother had rented the movie for us to watch. Since then I have had a secret desire be a Coyote Ugly. I love to entertain. That’s why I am in the hospitality industry. I love hosting parties and meeting new people, and I’ll be the first to get on stage for a karaoke skit. I have a few songs stored in my memory, and I am ready to hit play.

Auld Lang Syne, 2010

On New Year’s Eve, I attended a dinner party at the Tampa Bay History Museum. There, I saw a few familiar faces, but most I was introduced to as, “this is my niece, Chas.” I love my aunt. All my friends have met her, and they know how much she means to me. The party honored those who support Auburn Athletics. I was mingling on the patio when Mr. Jacobs announced that Coach Chizik had arrived. I walked inside and stood with the crowd that had gathered around him. He did a fantastic job, and throughout his speech he used the words thankful and humble. He said many things that I will remember from his speech, but those two words caught my attention the most. They reminded me of the past year, and I reflected on the lessons God taught me. I can recall situations that left me on my face, asking God for forgiveness and guidance. Even though I would never want to return to those situations, I am still very thankful for them. The time that I am most broken is also the time that I experience God’s love like never before. I was flooded with scripture about love. I was reading in the New Testament, and I still reflect back on the scripture that I underlined in my Bible. God was preparing me for future relationships, and before I left for Italy my prayer was to show those who I meet Christ’s love. I am encouraged to build relationships with those who have not experienced Christ’s love, so that they may see the Christ in me. Today, I listened to a sermon on the situations that God places us in. Some are sent and some are allowed. God places struggles in our life, so that we may depend on Him. It’s an act of dying to self, picking up our cross and following Him.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” -Ephesians 4:2

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” -Philippians 2:3

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” -1 John 4:7

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1:4

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” -Colossians 4:5

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” -1 Peter 3:8