Never Grow Up..

 My friends and I have always been a little quirky. 

Mandy is loud and mischievous.

She has a beautiful soul. She's the type of friend 

you go to when the whole world turns upside down 

and there's no one around. She always has the right words

to say. And my favorite part about her is, she's a child at heart.

Cara is quiet and bold. 

She'll always stand out from the crowd. She's the

type of friend, who can tell you the honest truth

just by her facial expressions. And my favorite part

about her is, she always puts up with our crazy ideas.

(because we all know she's a goofy head too)

And then there's me, and what's not quirky about Callie?

Yesterday, my friends and I decided to have a photo shoot, with fake tattoos and crazy outfits! We had a blast! 

My favorite memory:

Cara and I are in the bathroom sticking on tattoos, Mandy's in Cara's room with a whole pack of sharpies to herself. I went into the bedroom and found Mandy drawing eye brows on Mara (Cara's dog). I will never be able to look at that dog the same. I also saw a huge drawn on tattoo on Mandy's arm that said "faith, love and ____" (I don't remember the other part) It was brightly colored. It made me giggle. 

     Lesson learned: never give Mandy a pack of sharpies and leave her alone.

Reasons why Mandy and I would make horrible models:

Mandy couldn't sit still. (which reminds me of a time, Cara and I were at Mandy's. We were going to play the game of Life. Mandy got through like one round and she didn't want to play anymore, because she got distracted by something else) She also wanted to frolic through the field, or twirl in circles (because that's what hippies do) 

I couldn't be a model because frankly I don't know how to stand. Every pose seems awkward, standing, laying down, sitting.....I even tried blowing a dandelion and I looked like a chipmunk. (and that my friends is why I work behind the camera)

Supper:
After the shoot, we went to eat. It was a little chilly so we all wore long sleeves. At the end of the meal the waiter came over and Mandy shoves the camera in his face and says, "Check this out, she got a full sleeve today." (it was a picture of me) Cara and I bust out laughing. I took my sweater off to reveal the other side of my arm, which had an arm full of Disney tattoos. He was a good sport about it, laughing and complimenting the "art work".

Ice Cream/Desserts:
After supper, we went to an ice cream place across the street. I have been wanting ice cream in a cone for months now. I got cappuccino crunch (it was the bomb dot com) chewy chocolate pieces, crunchy mysterious pieces with chocolate ice cream....oh man. So, while I'm paying I ask Cara to hold my ice cream cone, and when I look back over at her, she's casually just licking MY ice cream cone! Needless to say, I had the first drink of her frappuccino!!  While we were sitting around eating our desserts, a group of Roman soldiers walked by, I really wanted my picture with them, but no one volunteered to go with me. Another biblical character walked in, and walked right back out, I thought he stole a muffin. (random)



Needless to say, there's never a dull moment when we're together! We say things and do things that most would find immature, but I wouldn't want it any other way! I never want to grow up!!

I've been missing my friends for a while, and I'm so glad we finally got to hang out!!

Love always,
Callie Marie-McCarty Presley

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - psalms 62:5

Middle School Memories

A couple of days ago, a childhood friend of mine put a couple of pictures on Facebook of our younger years and today Mandy sent me a snap chat about a memory she had from middle school. I thought it would be cool to write down a couple of middle school memories, and I've ask my Facebook friends to participate, lets see how this goes...


Memories:

In middle school I was obsessed with Spongebob. - Me

I remember playing hide and seek in the band lockers where we kept the drum cases and other large instruments. - Me

"Remember when people wrote poems or short stories and they would go in the white binder, they would pick the best and publish it and if you were in the book you got to go to the cafeteria for a snack!" - Mandy Vanhook

I also remember my try out for snare, Keith Roop sat behind me drumming out a rhythm to match a leaky pipe in the ceiling. - Me

"I think one of my favorites from middle school was when they'd take us outside in 7th grade, and let us run around. We all thought we were too old for recess so they called it "break" instead" - Maria Christian

I remember rummaging through my sisters closet, trying to find the coolest outfit for our middle school dances. (Two outfits come to mind: a purple sleeveless turtle neck and a silver chain linked belt. The other was a white shirt with a tiger on the front, the sleeves were ruffled and had sequins on them....STYLIN') - Me

I remember those square boards with wheels on them in gym class, a couple of the other boys would see how fast they could go before crashing into the padded walls. - Me

"I remember when my dad died and my pre-algebra class all pitched in and got me a teddy bear named Mr. Tibbles." - Cara

"And in that class, I remember we always played pranks on Mrs. Crutchfield."- Cara

I remember when Tony Wisniewski rolled up in middle school....all the girls thought he was super cute. Honestly, I can't remember what I thought, but I remember those white and red "skater" shorts. - Me

"Blue lipstick and the health books with all the dirty pictures drawn inside!" - Mandy

"Tommy Hilfiger hair scrunchies" - Mandy V. 

"Fruitopia, Surge, the flavored Mellow Yellow!" - Mandy V. 

Does anyone else remember the "moat" in the back of the school where we had recess and some of us would catch salamanders in what I'm guessing now was a water drain? - Me

"Pee-dabs (freshmen)" - Mandy V.

"girl, that boy in prison, he in prison in his soul, for being so mean to me!" - anonymous

I remember the project we had to do in history (everyone had to pick a state and use a cardboard box to design what each state was most popular for) - Me

Remember those nights where we would go to the school for "science" night? - Me

I ask Mandy the name of our history teacher, she couldn't remember either, but did remember that when she went to "take her pills" they were Cheerios!

I remember when a boy I had a crush on let me wear his football jersey and I had to let one of the "popular" girls help me put it on, because I didn't know how to wear it the "cool way". - Me

I loved Mrs. Clouds class, she was such a sweet lady and I loved the different writing projects we had to do. - Me

I remember making a "cell" in Mrs. McKinney's class, we used toothpaste for maybe the Cytoplasm and (a boy who shall not be named ate half the tube of toothpaste during class).... - Me

"Another one is when we threw Mr. Wharton that party because he stayed after his first year and didn't leave!" - Rachel Mason.

"I remember the talent show where I did a dance routine and I fell on my face in front of our whole grade? I still blush when I think about that, and it's been almost 14 years ago!" - anonymous

I remember getting a mellow yellow and honey bun for Mr. Wharton during class. - Me



Let's face it, middle school was a long time ago. We were different little people back then. I hope more people participate after I post this. It's always good to look back at memories and laugh at all the good times we shared.




Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him. - Psalms 62:5

Love Always,
Callie Marie-McCarty Presley

I'm a clueless Boston Red Sox Fan by marriage....

So summers here and husband and I are trying to decide on when to take our vacation.
We've already planned on the destination, thank God it's in the country and we can drive. Excitement is in the air as we plan our first vacation as a married couple.

Our first vacation planning & my thought process:

• We've decided to go to Boston. Cor has always wanted to watch a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway and since I'm an honorary Red Sox fan by marriage, I'm tagging along.

• Even though we're going to Fenway for Corey, I should still be able to help out in important decisions, like where we sit. All of the seats I think would be great to sit in, are less expensive than all the seats that I feel are in horrible spots, which are super expensive. (I guess I just don't get this whole baseball thing) I'm also guessing that Fenway looks nothing like the baseball field in Johnson City, where I used to go watch the Bucs play. The worst seats were right behind the catchers mound (I think that's what its called) because of this huge net. At Fenway, even though they're up a little higher, these seats are the most expensive (besides the "Green Monster").  

• Do those people still walk around yelling, "Get your popcorn, $2 dollars for popcorn, get it while its hot." If so, I'll be even more excited about going.

• Last year, I watched almost all of the Boston Red Sox games....this year I've forgotten most of what I learned. I hate sports, but I do really like Big Papi just because he seems like a cool guy and he hits a lot of home runs. (I just spelled home runs wrong and auto correct changed it, *smacks self in face*)

• Okay, so we're going to a Red Sox game, but we're also going to New York. I've never been before so this part of the vacation is more for me.

• Corey really wants to go to a Broadway play. I'd like to go, but only if it's something I'm familiar with or a play with some comedic relief. (I refuse to watch Les Misérables, or any other sad, depressing musical.)

• I would also love to go to FAO Schwarz toy store. (because we all know I'm a huge child at heart) I just watched a youtube video about the huge floor piano they have there. (I'm so excited)

• I would also really love to go see Jimmy Fallon or SNL, however, their ticket system is in lottery form, meaning you sign up and they just pull your name out of a hat for a random show. (not exactly, but you get the point) (Which seems totally unfair since Cor and I both work at a NBC affiliate station.) *Sad day*

• I'm also really excited/nervous about riding the Subway. (I really hope it's not as creepy as they portray it on t.v.) (yeah, go ahead and make fun of me, I'm a small town girl who's "never really been anywhere") 

• One of the many things that I'm excited about is that since we're not going out of the country, we don't have to worry about switching currency. (Never again Jamaica, never again) *shakes fist* 

• My husband is also allowing (haha "allowing) us to drive, not only because I really don't like planes, but because I love road trips. (seriously, I love driving to different and new places)

• Isn't it awesome when you marry your best friend, vacations seem more like mini adventures.

• I'd like to see the statue of liberty, but unless I'm taken over by boat and get to stand next to her, I'm not really that interested! (i might even give her a hug)

Okay, so here's the interaction part of the blog. If you've ever traveled to New York and have a favorite restaurant or a cool place to visit....let me know. Also, advice for visiting a large city is allowed. 

Thanks for visiting....

Love always,

Callie Marie-McCarty Presley

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

Put on Love.....

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14

Things I hate about Valentines day:

1) Girls expect too much. (Yes, I want a card from my husband but I love cards) honestly (red roses aren't my style and if he bought me a teddy bear, Wall-e would pull all the stuffing out in 10 minutes.) 

2) Single girls are all about hating this day. (guess what I painted my nails black too and I love valentines day.) and (even though you don't have a "Valentine", you still have people in your life that love you. (Your mom, dad, sister, brother, your friends....they all love you.)

3) Assorted chocolates suck! (seriously who likes those weird assorted chocolates, the orange, raspberry, strawberry, booger filled chocolates.) Last year, Corey bought me an assorted box of cookies...and that's why we're made for each other.

4) Those huge stuff animals are over-rated. (even though I secretly want that large stuffed hippo, I saw in Walmart...what would I do with him? I already have two other cuddle buddies who take up half the bed, mr. hippo would have to sleep on the floor.)

5) The radio stations are playing crappy love songs. (I just want to listen to regular music, about regular everyday things. Love songs are seriously the worst.) The end.

6) For all of you, "you have a husband, you don't know what it's like to hate valentines day"....My valentine has to work all day, he only gets a 45 minute lunch break and has to stay late for the olympics, so by the time he gets back tonight, Valentines day will be over. *Put that in your juice box and suck it!*

Thankfully for me though, my husband spoils me 365 days, 24-7....

He gives me back massages and plays with my hair. Helps me clean the house. Lets me sleep in. Surprises me with Blackbird bakery. And most importantly he loves me no matter what....I don't need the flowers, mr. hippo, or an assorted box of anything.

So even though, I'm stuck with my valentine puppy dog all day, who doesn't even care what day it is, and is currently sleeping by my side....I love today. 

Happy Valentines day world....stop being a fun sucker, love your life, be blessed that you're still alive....enjoy today!! 

Love Always,

Callie Marie McCarty Presley.

p.s For all you "single" ladies out there...don't rush into a relationship just because you want to feel loved on Valentines day. Wait for the right person and the right time....

I'm horrible at giving advice....but here's my grain of salt.

Corey and I have been married for 4 months and some days. I'm not sure if we're still in the "honeymoon" stage, or if I even have the right to give advice about marriage, but I'm going to anyway.

I'm one of those girls who gets attached and has a hard time letting go.
I love artsy little pictures with lyrics on them.
            (Something like this)

I love painting on canvas. (which I haven't done in a while)
When I'm not at work I like to dress in mismatched clothing.
My favorite place to visit is Asheville.
One day I hope to work in a larger market. (it scares me to leave)
I'd like to think I'm confident, but when faced with confrontation, I just want to run and hide.
I would love to go to a Mayday Parade acoustic show.
I want to travel to a lot of places, but I've always wanted to see California.
I love photography. When we get a home, I don't want picture frames, I just want to plaster pictures on all the walls. (not in a tacky way)
I'm very honest when I give advice, and when I'm not honest its because I know I'm probably going to hurt your feelings.
I tend to push people away. (I don't want to be a let down, I don't want people to be disappointed when I can't be the friend or the person they think I am)
I like changing my hairstyle (as of right now though, I'm trying to see how long I can grow it out)
I love shopping.
I also love to wear dresses (but since I work all the time, I hardly ever get to dress up.)
My favorite pair of shoes are my combat boots that I got from Amazon. I wear them with everything, even if they don't match.
I miss going to church. Actually I miss praise and worship. (judgmental eyes aside, it's hard to go to church when you work on Sundays from 5:30am-9:00am and go back in from 2:45pm-11:45)
I love my puppy dog a little too much. Even though my husband takes better care of him, than I do.
I don't like when my husband tries to read my blog while I'm still writing it. :) (which he just did)
I like painting my nails and then letting the paint chip off instead of being an "adult" and removing the old.
I prefer Pacsun skinny jeans.
High fives are better than hugs.
Speaking of hugs, I am not a hugger. I hug my family and a few close friends, that's it.
I like to be pampered. I love back massages, foot massages and having my hair played with.
I love driving at night, with the music turned up loud.
I'm a night owl.
Sometimes I really want a tattoo, but then I can never decide what I'd want on my skin for forever.
I can be very negative when life isn't going the way I want it to, and I have a hard time finding the good in every situation.
I like drinking black coffee.
I would rather send out e-cards, than real life cards.
I'm very sarcastic.


I'm sure the list could go on and on, but the reason I wrote this list of good and bad things about my life is because my husband loves me for all of my imperfections, all of my hopes and dreams, all of my weird little quirks.

So here's my advice from a married women of 4 months and some days: (take it with a grain of salt, if you wish)
Love who you are, be who you want to be. Share your dreams with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, work out your problems. And when you get married remember, you're in it for the good and the bad. Divorce is out of the question (unless of course they physically or emotionally hurt you). If you have a disagreement, work it out (I like to yell, Corey likes to talk in a softer tone), whatever makes you feel better.....but never, ever, quit on your husband/wife.

I'm never the best at giving advice... and I know that people change, but if you loved them once, you can love them again.

Don't live in the past. Terrible life changing events happen, but don't let those events ruin your future. Be happy with who you are, who you are with, and the new memories you can make.

Honestly, this blog is for a friend. I love you and I'm praying for you. I'm here to talk, and listen, and just be there.

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

Love Always,
Callie Marie-McCarty Presley

Things I've learned as a husband

Hello world and all that inhabit it! I will be hijacking Callie's blog (with her permission, of course!) tonight. We were talking to part of our church family earlier this evening and somehow the conversation ended with Callie asking me why I do not have my own blog. Well, honey, because I am not as interesting as you... and if i had my own blog everyone would read mine and not yours... and nobody wants that.

At the moment of this sentence, I have been married to the love of my life for 3 months, 18 days and 9 hours. In that time, I have learned a lot about myself and my soul mate. Here's a quick recap of the list.

1) I really do enjoy waking up early, and get most of my "me time" from about 8:30-10:00 in the morning while my Callie snores away. (just kidding, kinda)

2) I have finally become the "clean one" in a household. All through growing up and college I was always the messy one. Now, I like things to be clean. I will give props to Callie though, she always helps and takes charge if the house really needs cleaning, or if I ask for help.

3) I am getting pretty good at back massages, foot massages, and neck rubs. I used to be admittedly terrible, but in my last second vows that I wrote on the fly, I promised Callie would never go a day without some sort of massage. If only I could go back and not procrastinate, eh?

4) When you sign on to be someone's partner for life, you have to accept things you might not have thought of, and work out compromises. I love sausage, Callie loves bacon. We are now a bacon household. *kanye shrug* I am ok with that.

5) When Callie doesn't get enough sleep, just stay away. Mexico is a pretty good distance.

6) No knocks against my wife, but she is honestly the most beautiful when she wakes up... even if there is a little drool on her face.

7) Callie says "really?" a lot. It is almost unhealthy. She just said it again. Maybe it is time for an intervention.

8) Our dog, is a bed hog. Like seriously. For him to be so small... he takes up a lot of room.

9) While writing this blog I included an onslaught of "..." also known as ellipses points.

10) Finally, if for some unknown reason clothes become a form of payment... we will be billionaires. I never in my life have seen so many clothes. I think people are sneaking in and putting more clothes in the laundry room. It never stops.

These are just a few of the things I've learned in the short time of being a husband. For all those future hubby's out there... I saved the most important lesson for last. When you say "I Do" you stop caring for yourself first. That woman in front of you is your number one priority. Always, always put her first and always, always remind her how much you love her. Whether it is a back massage or a blog... it will improve your marriage. Treat her like the princess she is, and she will always be faithful and loving.

Peace out cub scouts! I am being summoned for another back massage. Maybe the most important lesson of the night for future husbands is to write your vows several days before the wedding... and if you don't... hire a lawyer to find a loophole.

God Bless!

It's a new year.

(The glasses I ordered for a new change in 2014)

My goal for 2014 is to live better, love harder, be less judgmental towards other, be grateful, stay positive (that's a tough one), and to better myself at work. And to try and find spare change to buy stamps. (don't ask)

Last year was a good year, full of surprises and new adventures. I got the directing job I wanted, I got married to a guy that loves me unconditionally, I flew for the first time, and I watched almost all of the Boston Red Sox baseball games! It was a good year. 

This year I know will be even better. 


My scripture for a new year:


“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

Love always,
Callie Marie-McCarty Presley