The Chronicles of Callie

Mixings and Movings!!

2011-07-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Soooo... I realize that I have fallen off the radar lately so please allow this post to serve as an update on the mixings and movings of Me:)

Miss Tennessee was a great experience. An experience in itself. I personally feel like you have to really be determined into making being 'Miss Tennessee' your life in order for your hard work to pay off. Not to say that I did not work hard- because I certainly did but its a whole different ballgame when the competition has endless amounts of help and monetary support. With that said, I think it is clear that my experience at Miss Tennessee is something that I am extremely proud of. I left with no regrets and that was my goal all along.

In other news, I am trying to get things situated for yet another school year. The only difference?? This will be my last year at Middle Tennessee State University. I am deeply saddened to realize that my days on the Blue Raider campus have become numbered. It brings tears to my eyes to reflect on how much I have gained from this intimate community of classmates, sisters, and friends.

I was always told to enjoy my high school days because they are "the best years of your life!" Maybe this sentiment holds true for some or it could be that the people who spoke those words did not attend college, but for whatever reason-- college has definitely been the highlight of my life. It has been in these years that i have grown momentously as a person. I have learned more life lessons here than in all my primary & secondary school years and I have blossomed into a person that I am sincerely proud of.

It has been within my time here at MTSU that I have studied abroad in Spain (and been able to pursue my love for Spanish), get to dance on ESPN at a college football game, gained 120+ sisters for LIFE, encountered obstacles that have made me stronger and shared experiences that i will FOREVER hold close to my heart. Once again, the word sadness could not possibly address the amount of loss that I am beginning to feel for my college home. This is the place where I have come into my own and been able to fully make mistakes and be completely responsible for picking up the shattered pieces and putting them back together.

It is times like these that I wish there was a remote control for life so that I can press 'Pause' and linger here a little longer. I know that no such remote exists, unless you reside in the movie 'Click' with Adam Sandler, but it makes me desire to fully grasp the last remaining months that I have here and make every moment last.
I know this next year, just like the past 3, will fly by. I am nervous about my future because an ending always means having to begin again and new beginnings are always scary. I guess I will just have to break out my highest heels, in the hopes that I may walk a little slower and be fully available to take in every single senior second.

Stay tuned for more on the Chronicles of Callie!!

XOXO
Callie

1st Annual 5k Run/Walk for Autism Speaks!!

2011-03-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I am hosting a 5k run for Autism on April 16th in Warren County. It is in the Morrison community which is only a 45 minute drive from Murfreesboro. April is Autism Awareness month and all proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is the national organization that funds Autism Research.

Autism effects 1 in ever 110 people and is the most rapidly growing neurological disorder. It is the most prevalent disorder and yet it receives less than half the funding when compared to other disorders and diseases. This is an important philanthropy that needs to gain more awareness. If more money is not raised to go toward autism research then a cure or treatment will never be found. The number of cases continues to increase each year and it is becoming an epidemic.

I have 2 younger autistic cousins and so I have seen its effects firsthand. Please take the time to come and participate in our race. Even if you are not a runner, then you can walk it or spread the word for our cause. Your help and support means more than you possibly know. Please pass this information on to everyone you know and especially those that you think would be interested in participating. If you have any questions then you can contact me, Callie, at missmtbr@gmail.com . You can also contact Darlene at (931) 808-0621 or Ashley at (931) 273-2313 for more information.

"Even though I cannot speak, it does not mean that I have nothing to say." -Autism quote

Speak Now! (for Autism Awareness)

Thank you!
Callie Durham

More from Spain!

2010-06-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have not been able to blog- I am sure you can imagine that I have been CRAZY Busy!!
I have had a few requests as to what to blog about so here it goes...

What do I miss the most?
What I miss the most is definately TV programs in English. Whenever I do have a minute to relax- I would like nothing more than to be able to watch an episode of This season's "So You Think You Can Dance" -p.s. Mom! you better not be deleting any episodes from the T-Vo until I get back (lol). I also Really miss the food. My senora is so thoughtful & she really takes notice of the food that I like & she makes them more often, which is a definate plus but on the downside she barely cooks her meat & I cannot force myself to eat any meat that is not cooked well done. I start gagging at the sight of pink meat.

What is my senora like?
Well for those of you who don't know- a 'Senora' is what they call our host mother. My host mother aka senora's name is Josefina Hernandez. She is 72 years old (& it is her birthday on Monday), she has 1 son & 3 daughters. She also has a few grandkids. I have only met one of her daughters once (she was very nice) & I see one of her granddaughters quite a bit. She is very nice, I see her more because she goes to the art school in town and I pass it on my walk to school everday. My senora is great- I could not have asked for a better senora. It is seriously like living with your grandmother. One night, I was asleep in my bed & she saw that i had not pulled down the blinds before going to bed so she pulled them down & when she did the noise woke me up (my bed is right beside the window and the wooden blinds are loud) so when she saw that she had woken me she pulled my covers up around my neck, leaned down & gave me a kiss on the cheek & said "Buenos noches bonita" -which means "Goodnight Pretty":) She is so sweet. Last night she went into this deep conversation about why she hosts students. She is divorced and her kids are grown so she said she gets lonely in that house by herself so she enjoys having someone to cook for & eat with & talk to. She said she feels like we are her "hijas de un otra hombre" aka "kids from another man". I am blessed to have her as my senora.

What do I like the best?
I like... feeling accomplishment when I can actually get out what I am trying to say (in Spanish) & having someone actually understand and respond to me.
I also love our weekend trips to other places. It has been a wonderful opportunity to see so many breath-taking things.

Now, I have to go study because I have a test tomorrow, but after it is over with, I get to start my long weekend!!! Yay:) I am going to Valencia & Barcelona!

XOXO
-C

P.S. If you want me to answer any other questions just post them in a comment below:)

Madrid

2010-06-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

So.. I went to Madrid this past weekend. Madrid was pretty awesome. I went to the Museo del Prado (which is the #3 best art museum in the world behind The Guggenheim- don't think I spelled it right, and the Lu in France- don't think i spelled that right either haha!) Anyways.. I also went to the Museo de la Reina Sofia, Sofia was royalty and it is a more modern art museum. I went to The Plaza Mayor and my hostal was right beside the Puerta del Sol. It was SO Hot in Madrid!! It is only an hour south of Segovia but the temperature difference was crazy. We went to a park called Parke Retido where they have a small lake/large pond in the center and we rented a row boat- it was neat. We also went to the Palace in Madrid- It was awesome, we weren't supposed to take pictures, but I turned my flash off and was able to snap a few lol. We rode the metro (which is the subway), it was interesting... you had to keep your hands gripped on your belongs the entire time you were in certain parts of Madrid because it is known to have some really bad pick pocketers. We also went to a Bull fight- i am glad that I went so that I am able to say I have experienced it but I did not enjoy it. I was unaware of the fact that the Bull dies every time. It wasn't even a fair fight. People are basically paying money to watch various men slaughter various bulls. I felt sorry for the poor bulls. (I have to stick with my fellow Tauruses;) I am not sure what everyone wants to know about Spain or what i am doing so please comment if there is something in particular that you want me to blog about. I have to go for now, but I will post more later.

XOXO
-C

Espana!!

2010-06-02T01:33:00.001-07:00

Spain is GREAT!! It is SO beautiful here. Being in Europe makes me miss Tessi (my German friend) and lucy (My Dutch friend); it just seems like it isn't really Europe without them here lol. The food is definately a transition for me. It is not really that my Senora is making food that I have never heard of, but moreso that the food tastes different here. My stomach seems to never really be full and it is at least a 15 minute walk to my house from school. It is true- My Senora does not speak a word of English, but it is really good for me because I can already tell my Spanish is ever so slightly improvng. It is extremely gorgeous here but so different and definately an adjustment:)

XOXO
-C

2010-04-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!
Just a little shout out for my Mom... Today, as some of you may know, is the first day of early voting so Everyone get out and do your part. Re-elect Darlene Bryant Trustee!!! Please tell all your friends and family. Your support is greatly appreciated!:)

XOXO
Callie

My Long Over-due Blog

2010-03-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

New Developments

I had not realized how long it has been since I have last blogged. I know I don't have a huge fan base or anything but a few people have mentioned to me that they love having the opportunity to read by blogs and feel as if they are being included in my life and I love hearing that. So each of my blogs are now dedicated to each and everyone of you, my dear friends and loving family, who actually read what I have to say. I love all of you guys. Now that that is out of the way, I have a few new developments to address in my life. As some of you may already know, I had another seizure in January. It was scary, as was the last one. It never fails in scaring my mother to death, but after many doctors appointments we were educated on why my seizures occur. It begins with me getting too stressed out. The stress takes a toll on my body. My body begins being impatient and my heart doesn't pump my blood fast enough so oxygen is in short supply to my brain which triggers a fainting/seizure episode. Another development since my last blog is that Phil and I have split for good. I went through a really rough patch in my life, with the seizure and stress and everything piling up before my eyes. I am still getting through it but it is not without those rough days and I know I would be in a deep and dark depression if it were not for the generous support from my wonderful friends and family. I honestly would not be where I am today if it was not for you. Another development is a more planned one and that is my Super Hero Mom's re-election. 2010 is an election year for the residents of Warren County and I hope everyone knows all the wonderful things that mom has been doing for the office of Trustee. She deserves a re-election so that she may continue to bless our community. (I will post another blog about her election soon!) One other new adventure that I will be embarking on in the near future is my study abroad in Spain. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, my minor is Spanish so it made sense to take advantage of an opportunity to study abroad this summer by going to Spain and living with a host family. I am thrilled about this new adventure in my life and I will being using my computer to blog about my experiences and keep in touch with everyone here while I am in Spain! So I will also be blogging about that soon! Well I guess that is all for now. I should really go do some Spanish homework ;)
Hope you and your loved ones are doing well!
XOXO
Callie Baby

P.S.
We are studying Global Warming in Physical Science right now and a classmate sent me this picture that I thought was funny. Enjoy!!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!
I absolutely Love this time of year, but I also hate the weather! Its cold enough to make you miserable but not cold enough to at least have snow to enjoy. Well... today campus flooded- what a shocker! Hahaha, I swear the storm drains on campus must be the size of a dime or nickel or some kind of small coin. On my way to my late class tonight, the wind was blowing SO hard that it flipped my poor little umbrella inside-out (it did not stand a chance against the wind and the rain)! Then I get to class and there is a note on our classroom door that says "Class is canceled today". I mean don't get me wrong most people usually love class getting cancelled, but for me, it had been such a big ordeal walking in that miniature storm to get to class that I had to then just turn around and walk straight back into it. Needless to say, I put on my sweats and a tank top the moment that I got home because my clothes were soaked through from the down pouring rain. Ugh! But on the bright side (I have to look at the bright side in order to keep myself from going crazy lol) I am almost done with classes for this semester and I have never felt so relieved. WITHIN the past week, these are the assignments that I have had due: Presentations, Projects, Papers, Revisions, Storyboard, Composition, Tests, Quizzes and Labs. Can you see why I would be on the verge of losing my mind? :) Taking honors courses is definitely harder than I thought that it would be, but I'm learning a lot from them and that is what matters most. I have decided to continue taking honors courses in an effort to graduate with an honors degree. But what I really cannot wait for... is for this semester to be over so that I can get back home and spend time with my friends, family, & Phil. There is nothing more wonderful than being surrounded by all of your loved ones around the holidays. Please pray that I make it through my finals week! Thank you!
L-O-V-E
-C

Yay its Fall! :)

2009-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled that we are now into the month of October!!! Fall is my favorite season and I cannot wait for the leaves to change colors. We have been experiencing amazing weather this past week in Murfreesboro and I have been so busy with classes that I haven't had the opportunity to just sit outside and enjoy it. Hopefully I can do that soon :) Here are my two most recent articles from the MTSU newspaper- Sidelines.

H1N1 virus affects Rutherford County schools
By Callie Durham

Middle Tennessee Medical Center has confirmed over 5 cases of H1N1 – or swine flu – since the virus came to Tennessee.

“We encourage everyone to continuously wash their hands and stay clean in an effort to prevent spreading germs,” said Angie Boyd Chambers, public relations director for MTMC.

As a result, H1N1 virus has caused the Murfreesboro community to become more health conscientious. Chambers said anyone that has flu-like symptoms should stay at home and rest. If the condition does not improve, a physician should be consulted.

“If you are diagnosed with the flu, you should stay at home for 24 hours after the fever has broken before going out and participating in day to day activities,” Chambers said.

Becky Jones, attendance specialist at Barfield Elementary School, said she has experienced a considerable number of absences due to the swine flu.

“I’ve actually been out with the swine flu myself, but I would estimate that around 25 to 35 children have been absent due to swine flu suspicion,” Jones said.

“Our school has been keeping a close eye on the subject and we have a great nurse here who calls any student’s parent immediately after they have begun showing any signs of the swine flu.”

Melissa Davis, a manager of Bath and Body Works at Stones River Mall, said the swine flu is not only playing a role in local schools and hospitals, but also with local vendors. Davis said she has seen an increase in her sales due to the H1N1 virus.

“Many of the local schools have begun requiring or urging their students to carry sanitizers [on their person] due to swine flu cases,” Davis said. “There has been a definite increase in sanitizer sales.”

The university’s Student Health Services Web site shows a convenient list of the common signs and symptoms of the swine flu, like “difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worsening cough.”

The site also provides information about how the virus is spread and shows steps to avoid contracting swine flu.

For more information, log on to the Health Services Web site at mtsu.edu/healthservices.

Ribbon cutting welcomes students to new KUC Grill
By Callie Durham

The Keathley University Center officially opened its newly redesigned Grillee on Sept. 10, garnering mixed reviews from students.

The new KUC Grille features the old standbys of Burger Studio, Quiznos, Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A.

“I like that it is more spacey and open, and it seems like there is more seating,” said Ryan Skelley, sophomore media production major.

A few students liked the new changes, like sophomore video production major Matt Raby.

“I like being able to get unlimited refills on my soda pop,” Raby said.

“I think it’s a lot quicker and it seems easier to get your food,” said Adam Cunningham, junior electronic media production major.

“I think there is more space and a wider variety of foods, but the negative is there is no Starbucks and smoothie place anymore,” said Keaton Payne, junior exercise science major.

The biggest complaint from students was over the loss of Starbucks and smoothie stand. Part of the redesign replaced the coffee shop with Einstein Bros. Bagel.

“I’m not a fan of the new KUC,” said Kayla Poss, junior music business major. “I’m very upset they no longer have smoothies.”

MTSU sophomore biology major Joseph Ricard said he feels the change was for the worse. He said he would like to have access to smoothies.

“It’s ugly and I don’t like it,” said Shina Yates, sophomore psychology major. “I also don’t like that people who have regular cups are coming in here and stealing drinks from the drink fountain.”

Yates also noted that prices seemed higher. “I just like how it used to be.”

Construction on the KUC Grille began over the summer and the refurbishment was completed in mid-August.

“I don’t like how they moved the island that used to be in the middle and had the drinks and sushi on it behind a counter,” said Ashley Carmack, junior early childhood education major. “Now you have to wait in line for it and it takes forever. And I don’t like that there is no longer the Starbucks and smoothie place in there.”

The new Grille area offers more seating and a mall food court style with new menu and restaurant choices.

“The only thing that I don’t like is that they took out the back door entrance, so now if you come in the back door of the KUC then you have to walk all the way around,” said David Barnes, junior exercise science and physical therapy major.

C.J. Eke, a freshman mass communications major, said he would have liked Aramark to alter other things than just the décor.

“I’m a freshman, but I already know that the food needs to be a lot cheaper,” Eke.

Belated Birthdays

2009-08-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I haven't blogged in a while, so first off I would like to Say Happy 'Belated' Birthday to my little cousin- Carter J, my friend- Ramsey Stewart, and also to my BEST friend and sister- Regan Anne! Rae Rae is the best sister and friend that a girl could ever dream up and I feel especially grateful that God has blessed me with such a wonderful person in my life. She is always there for me through the good and the bad and i can only hope that I am as good of a friend to her as she is to me. I love you Sissy! You mean more to me than you could possibly know! Happy (Belated & 21ST) Birthday love!!! :)

XOXO
Callie Baby

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY BUBBA!!!

2009-07-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to take the opportunity to wish, my big brother, Cody Blake a Happy 21st Birthday!!! I love you bubba!!! and Hope all your wishes come true! :)

I am now officially a Staff Writer for MTSU Sidelines!!! :)

2009-07-18T14:27:00.001-07:00

Here are two more of my articles from MTSU Sidelines. (Check it out at mtsusidelines.com)

Annual festival stomping good time
Uncle Dave Macon Days returns to Murfreesboro for 32nd year
Callie Durham
Issue date: 7/8/09 Section: News
The 32nd annual "Uncle Dave Macon Days" Old-Time Music and Dance Festival is scheduled for July 10-12 at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro. The festival was formed to pay tribute to a past Rutherford county resident, David Macon.The festival's Web site said Uncle Dave Macon Days is the National Championship for Old Time Banjo, Buckdance and Clogging."He ['Uncle Dave'] had owned a freight wagon business that carried various things from Woodbury to Murfreesboro," said Wendy Bryant, publicity director. "Whenever 'Uncle Dave' was making a trip he would carry his banjo with him and play it on the ride home."She said people began coming and sitting at the edge of their driveways and listening to him play. "With the invention of cars, Uncle Dave's freight wagon business lost profit, [but] to his fan's delight, he began devoting all of his time to his musical career," Bryant said.Macon was one of the first stars on the Grand Ole Opry Stage and was elected into the County Music Hall of Fame in 1966.Among the festivities there are numerous acoustic, instrumental and dance competitions, an arts & crafts show and also a "motorless parade," featuring horse and mule drawn vehicles. This event is free and open to the public, but there is a small entry fee in order to participate in competitions.Bryant said that an estimated 40 to 45,000 people attend the festival. "There will be a children's area, different vendors and all kinds of competitions," Bryant said. "Everything from singing and free-style dancing to playing the harmonica."Bryant said the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy."It sounds pretty cool," said Joshua Jacobs, a sophomore at MTSU. "I'd go to it." The Web site said "The festival has been consecutively selected by the Atlanta-based Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast." The Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival was announced by the American Bus Association as one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee."It sounds like a great way to have fun, while also learning about Murfreesboro's history at the same time," said Abby Surles, a sophomore at MTSU.Bryant said everyone planning on attending should park in the parking garage at City Hall. An officer will be on hand to direct traffic for those crossing the street.The festival is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday July 10. For more information on the festival, visit uncledavemacondays.com.

Community celebrates Dave Macon
Callie Durham
Issue date: 7/15/09 Section: News
The 32nd annual Uncle Dave Macon Days, a family festival featuring crafts, music and family activities, was held at Cannonsburgh Village to honor the comedian and singer-songwriter."My family loves the music, the crafts and all the activities for the families," said Misty Marlin, a parent in attendance. "It is fun for the whole family." Marlin said her favorite part of the festival is torn between the music and the crafts. She said "if you asked my two children, they would say their favorites are the 'bouncies' and the food."The festival had various vendors, selling everything from fresh squeezed lemonade and homemade fried pies to jewelry, candles, garden signs, brooms, wall ornaments, birdhouses and even old fashion jams and jellies. The festival also plays host to musical performances and competitions."We try to keep the competitions as fair and square as we possibly can," said Avent Lane, chairmen of the judges for Uncle Dave Macon Days. "You'd be surprised; in my past years working in this position there have been hardly any hassles at all regarding a ruling."Lane said she likes to make sure each judge is knowledgeable, has past experience judging or really knows the genre of music they are judging. "We are trying to stay as true as we can [to Uncle Dave's form of music], which is difficult to maintain because it is always evolving," Lane said.Lane said that most of the people who are actually working the event are volunteers. She said people volunteer because the event is an essential part of Rutherford County.Dessie Barkes, a festivalgoer, said she has been attending the festival for several years."I love all of it, but my favorite part of the festival would probably be the bluegrass," Barkes said. "I love listening to the music and meeting new people." Contestant and violinist, Steven Alonso said he chose to participate in this competition mostly just for personal experience. Alonso said what he likes most about playing the violin is "just the joy of playing an instrument - It's like a sparkle in my eyes." Steven's mother, Leigh Alonso said her favorite part of the festival is seeing all the children perform and hearing the old bluegrass music. "It is really becoming a lost art that's dying off with our elderly, and it's wonderful because we are able to come here and everyone is so welcoming and inviting," Leigh said. "There is just a love for music that you don't find everywhere - it's a safe environment and it's hard to find anything like this for kids." Cyndi Parrott, a festival attendee, said that she likes to go to the festival to see pickers and cloggers. She also said that she loves the craft fair. "You can always find a lot of unique things like this lye soap," Parrott said. "Some things like this you just can't find anywhere anymore except at craft fairs or maybe a specialty shop." Sara Bielaczyc, a senior sculpture and ceramics major at MTSU, said she enjoys hanging out with her big brother during the festival. Bielaczyc was selling some of her own ceramic pieces at the craft fair. Bielaczyc said she is already in business with her two older brothers who do two-dimensional artwork, while she does ceramics. "It's nice that people from everywhere can gather together and play, even if they don't know each other," said Miranda Holmes, a senior biology major/pre med at MTSU.

My First 2 Newspaper Articles!!!

2009-07-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

So.. I have recently began writing for my college newspaper- MTSU Sidelines. Here is a look at my first two articles :)

Vegan cooking classes held at Discovery Center
Callie Durham
Issue date: 6/10/09 Section: News

Sassy VEG Productions is scheduled to hold a two-month vegan cooking class series at the Discovery Center, beginning Saturday.The first class, "The Joy of Soy," is scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m."[Sassy VEG Productions is] on a mission to improve health through a healthy lifestyle and plant based cuisine," said Christienne Miller, marketing/founding partner of Sassy VEG Productions. "Most people have only experienced traditional types of vegetarian meals, but this class will be serving up new, refreshing and hardy meals."Miller said that she changed her eating habits after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and gout. She said she felt like she was a "22-year-old living inside of an 80-year-old person's body" before taking on a healthy eating lifestyle.Some of the other classes offered during the two-month period are "Backyard BBQ," "Garden Glory" and "Viva la Vegan.""It would be a very wise decision for the MTSU dining halls and cafeterias to consider adding more plant-based meals, not only for vegetarians, but for all students," said Samuel Barnes, a junior marketing major.When it comes to a personal instructor on how to cook vegan meals, Danny McClain, junior graphic design major, said "it would be great to have an actual instructor to give the in's and out's of cooking vegan." He said most of his knowledge about cooking comes from cookbooks or through his own experiments in the kitchen.The tuition for the class is pre-paid only. To reserve a seat now, send a $35 check to Sharon Jacks at 115 Lilac Court Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37128.

Student wins trip from online contest
Callie Durham
Issue date: 7/1/09 Section: News

Heather Bailey, fourth year student of the PhD. program for Public History at MTSU, won the Heritage Travel Inc. contest, a subsidiary for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bailey was chosen as the first ever contest winner on GoWithAPurpose.com, a new online community that was launched this spring. Bailey is in her fourth year of the PhD. program for Public History here at MTSU."I was so shocked that I had to read [that I'd won] because I had almost completely forgotten about the contest," Bailey said. "It wasn't about winning; I was just submitting my review." Heritage Travel Inc. created the new Web site, GoWithaPurpose.com, for people to be able to find enriching destinations and view other user's accounts of historical experiences. In an attempt to publicize the new Web site, Heritage Travel Inc. held a travel review contest.Bailey said she participates in Heritage tourism all the time and it was only natural that she would submit her own travel review.Bailey's travel review of Winchester, Tenn. was chosen as the overall winner of the contest and can be viewed on GoWithaPurpose.com.Bailey said she will be traveling to New York City to enjoy her prizes, including a private performance by professional Broadway entertainers, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Apollo Theater, tickets to two Broadway shows, hotel accommodations and more. Bailey said she has chosen her mother, Melody, to accompany her on the trip."It is very exciting, and I'm so very proud of her," Melody said. She said both are excited about their upcoming trip to New York and are eager to see all the sights.

The ABC's of Me

2009-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

A---Age: 19
B---Bed size: Twin (at Home)/Full (At School)...shouldn't it be the other way around? lol
C---Chore you hate: Hanging Up All my clothes
D---Dogs name(s): King Louie
E---Essential start to your day item: A hot shower
F---Favorite Color(s): Depends on what the Color is for, but: Red, Blue, Black, & so many more...
G---Gold or Silver: Silver of course!
H---Height: 5'2'' (Great things come in petite packages:)
I---Instruments you play: I'm getting a guitar (any day now:)
J---Job title: Student/Teacher/Dancer/Writer/Reporter...etc
K---Kids: NONE (lol but one day..)
L---Living arrangements: I'm Single & in college @ MTSU
M---Mom's name: Patricia Darlene Reagan Bryant (How many of you knew that?;)
N---Nicknames: "Callie Baby" "C" "Cal" ("Tauwie"-to Connor)
O---Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Um.. dehydration.
P---Pet Peeve: When people scrape their silverware through/clang it on their teeth (that sound is worse than nails on a chalkboard to me- ugh!) Also when people Poke Me in the Ribs (I absolutely hate that)
Q---Quote from a movie: "That is SO Fetch!" -Gretchen, "Mean Girls" (lol jk) My favorite is probably... "It's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day." Noah, "The Notebook" (I hope that one day someone feels as strongly about me as Noah does about Allie- That is true love)
R---Right or Left handed: Right
S---Siblings: Cody Blake (21)
T---Time you wake up: Lately its been 6 AM for my summer class, but now that I'm finished... about 8 o'clock..
U---Underwear: Thongs are a girl's best friend :)
V---Vegetable you dislike: Broccoli, Turnip Greens, Cauliflower... um pretty much like 94% of vegetables. What can I say? I'm more of a fruit person :)
W---What makes you run late?: I can NEVER decide what to wear!! :(
X---X-rays you've had: Mmm.. idk, a few
Y---Yummy food you make: Deserts :) I love sweets!!
Z---Zoo Animal: (I haven't been to the Zoo since I was like 7 lol, but I guess I would say...) Either a Peacock or a Panther.. Idk.. lol

I was Literally standing 6 feet away from Brad Paisley & I have the picture to prove it ;)

2009-06-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

2009 CMA FEST

Last night was the first night of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and Hannah & I got the 4 night pass this year. I'm sure many of you noticed that last night was not the best weather in the world for an outdoor concert. The night opened with Brooks and Dunn, the second performer was Reba McEntire- but after about her second song, the Emcee took the microphone and said we needed to head for cover to wait out the storm that was coming, but that the concert would continue after it had passed. About 3 hours later, and dripping wet from the rain (lol) the concert continued, the only artists that had stuck around to perform were Darius Rucker, Derks Bentley, & Brad Paisley. Since it was past midnight when the concert began again- each artist was only supposed to sing 3 or 4 songs. Brad Paisley was the last to perform. While onstage he said, "In 1999, I performed at my first, what was then called 'Fan fair' (now called CMA Fest) but none of you knew me. Here we are ten years later... look at how much we've grown together, you could say grown up together. I wrote this next song for a very special woman in my life, but tonight I'm going to play this for you all." He then preceded to sing, "And I Thought I Loved You Then." It was Wonderful!!! After his four songs were up he said, "I know we're supposed to stop after 4 songs, but do ya'll care if we keep playing?" (of course the crowd went wild with applause) and he said, "I mean you're already here, and I'm already here... I've got nothing better to do, but go sleep." It was a spectacular night! (even with the rain) That's just a summary on my first night at the 2009 CMA Fest- stay tuned to hear more :)

XOXO

Callie Baby

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY IN THE AIR!!!

2009-05-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Don't you just adore summer time? Schools out, the days seem longer, and it seems as if the sky is the limit. Well MY summer has officially begun! I have finished up my second semester and first year at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). And I am very pleased to report that I have made the Dean's List again! :) You are likely to be seeing me around town alot more often. I have been choreographing for Ms. Paula's recital for the past few months and I will also be choreographing for her dance teams this summer. I am also going to take a summer online class at Motlow in McMinnville (trying to get some more college credits out of the way). I have been staying in the boro some as well, because I have been spending time with my "lil sis" from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Middle Tennessee. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering and I love getting to spend time with my "little". It is only a few more days until I celebrate my 19th Birthday & on my birthday- Hannah, Abby and myself will be at the Kate Voegele concert in Nashville! If you do not know who Kate Voegele is- I Highly recommend that you check out her music- She is Awesome! She also stars on one of my favorite TV shows: One Tree Hill, which will air its season finale on Monday night (everyone keep your fingers crossed that Peyton doesn't die during childbirth!) Also, It is less that one month before Hannah Banana and I attend the 4 day CMA Fest!!! We are both seriously excited about that one :) I also hope to spend alot of time with my Sissy and best friend- Regan. She got a job in Cookeville, so I haven't been able to see her as much lately, but hopefully she can spare some time to be a bookworm with me on her deck at the river. We LOVE laying out and reading! :) Whether we are reading and laying out or blaring music in the car and singing (if you would call what I do singing lol!) at the top of our lungs- we never have a dull moment! Well... My summer is just beginning, but I am already looking forward to the many adventures on the horizon. I hope your summer is as fun-filled as I plan on mine being!

XOXO
Callie Baby

2009-04-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone & Happy Earth Day & Happy -late- Birthday to Tommy!
I am actually Posting from the second floor of the MTSU Library (haha) I'm supposed to be researching, writing 2 papers, and finalizing the speech that I am giving (Tomorrow;) Oh... isn't college great? Well it is every other time-- except Finals Time. The only thing that gets me through is knowing that in 2 weeks by Summer will have officially began!!! (But the sad part is that I decided that I am going to be taking 2 summer classes at Motlow this summer to get ahead of my curriculum.) -So you'll probably see me around this summer. I am SO excited to say that on April 3 I was paired with a Little Sis in the "Big Brothers Big Sisters" Program of Middle Tennessee. I volunteered to be a mentor to a young child in Murfreesboro and after going through the interview and pairing process I was finally placed with my little. I look forward to being a positive influence in her life and love the opportunity to work with children. I encourage everyone I know to participate in some sort of volunteer work for... "Today's Youth is Tomorrow's Future."So invest in a better future by taking part in your local community and service organizations- You won't be disappointed. My Auntie doesn't know it yet, but my speech that I am giving tomorrow is actually based on Carter J! I did a research paper about Autism for my Final AP English paper my Senior year in high school and I'm actually using part of it for my speech. I love getting to learn more about Autism, it is very fascinating. Well... I really should stop procrastinating and get back to work. I love you all!!! See you soon for Summer!!!

XOXO
Callie Baby

Update

2009-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

So my mom has been bugging me to update my blog so wal-ah... Its updated! lol Well my second semester is going great. I'm still LOVING college. You might catch a glimpse of me around town now because I've been coming in a couple of time to choreograph for Ms Paula's recital :) Its great to see my little dancers again. I've been so busy with school lately that my life sounds kind of boring to hear about. I have an interview on Monday with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of Middle Tennessee. I'm going to be a Big Sis to a child in Murfreesboro who needs a mentor/ role model. I was attending a church service in Murfreesboro one Sunday and the sermon was about how we as Christians should give back to the community and give our Gifts to God so that he can multiply their worth. This encouraging speech motivated me to start volunteering. So I'm really excited about this new endeavor. I'll keep you posted on how it goes ;) Love you & hope all is well with you and your families!

XOXO
Callie Baby

BIG NEWS!!!

2008-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

So there has been quite a few things happen in my life over the past few days. The first really Big part is that my final grades for this semester were posted on my MTSU account. I ended up making All A's & only one B- giving me a 3.8 Grade Point Average for the semester. This means (drumroll please).......... I MADE THE DEAN'S LIST!!! (You have to have a 3.5 in order to make the cut:) I was SO excited when i found out. My second piece of Big news is that i finally worked up my courage and quit the dance team. This may not be good in some people's eyes, but i think it'll be whats best for me. I've never quit anything before so it was really difficult for me, but I plan to attend a Sidelines (our school newspaper) meeting and hopefully start writing for them! Which would be a wonderful opportunity. My major concentration is journalism so this offer made me ecstatic! I'm going to miss my teammates and dancing, but hopefully i can get a part time job at a dance studio or something. There are alot of changes going on in my life, but i believe whole-heartedly that they are for the best. After all... "Everything happens for a reason." (hehe:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE Y FELIZ NAVIDAD! (en espanol- my minor;)

All my love,
Callie Baby

Autumn

2008-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

If my new blog color scheme or background picture hasn't given it away- My Favorite season of the year is *Autumn!* Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face :) I even bought some red, yellow and orange leafed garland and swooped it on my balcony at my apartment. I love decorating! The beautiful colors, the cool air and all the things that go along with Autumn, like Halloween, hay rides, bon fires, Thanksgiving- Whats not to love? :) I'm sorry i haven't posted in a while... to put it Lightly my life has been Very hectic lately. School and dance Alone are enough to fill up my schedule, then add having a social life. I'm still in love with college. The independence is wonderful... Not very much has changed with me since I last posted. I was seen on ESPN for 2 of the MTSU games, one was the MTSU vs UK clip where we almost won! The MTSU player was brought down at the 1 yard line when time expired!!! (look in the background behing Riley at the 1 yard line and there I am) That game was SO close. I recently found out that I'm getting to do something Very EXCITING in November. Its actually on my mom's birthday (the 22nd ;) I'm not sure that I'm supposed to give away what it is yet, but I'll tell you as soon as I can! I've been wanting to do this for a while, and its a great opportunity- I guess thats what makes it So Exciting! The leaves are starting to change and the brisk air is starting to blow through the trees. Its such a wonderful and beautiful time of year. I'm thankful that I live in a state as beautiful as Tennessee. Hope everyone else is enjoying the season. Happy Autumn from me to you!!!

All My Love,

Callie

I'm A College Kid Now!!!

2008-08-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

So my first week of college life was Hectic, but fun! It wouldn't take a scientist to figure out that college is going to be so much better that high school in so many ways. So far I have had to deal with Zero amount of drama. The dance team may be difficult, but I never expected it to be easy & like they say, "what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger..." The members of my dance team all get along... Its amazing! The coach actually makes sense & guess what?! Instead of tearing us down at every available moment (like Some coaches do)- she builds us up, encourages us and is constantly reminding us of how well we are doing. I love it and I would encourage many of my former teammates to look into joining the team in the future. As far as my classes go... Here is my schedule:
MWF: 9:10-10:05- American Media & Social
MWF 10:20-11:15- Theatre Appreciation
MWF 12:00-3:00- Dance Team Practice
TuTh 9:40-11:05- English: Expository Writing
TuTh 11:20-12:45- Spanish
*I love all my professors. There is a website where you can read reviews and ratings on your teachers & I read all of my professors reviews before I signed up for their classes.
Another great thing is that our apartment complex has a shuttle bus that carries us to and from school, so I don't have to worry about parking- which is great because it would take you an hour to find a spot and another hour to walk to campus from where you had parked. (I may be exaggerating a little...) If you're someone who stays up to date on your current events then you would've seen that a girl got stabbed last week over a parking spot at MTSU. I didn't know her, but she was in the color guard.. I think the dance team is going to make her a card and send her flowers. Please keep her in your prayers! I'm so very fortunate to have had such good luck so far. Where in the World is Callie Durham? Murfreesboro, Tennessee!
All My Love!
Callie,

Where in the World is Cali Durham??? -The University of Alabama for Collegiate Dance Camp!

2008-07-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dance practices were rough... I haven't danced in so long that it was definitely an adjustment for me. We learned our home routine in 3 days and were to compete at camp in 3 more days. That's less than a week to learn, clean & prepare a dance to compete with! Though, I thought it was going to be much more stressful than it was. It was Great hanging out with my team members! There are 7 Veteran girls & 7 new girls on our dance team. The 7 Veterans were so thoughtful & decided to pick one of the 'rookies' to be labeled as their "little sister." My Big Sister's name is Bethany Faller. She is going to be a Sophomore & she's in a sorority. We get along very well, we both share a love for sarcasm! (lol;) Someone even had the idea that we room with our big sis & lil sis at camp- so we did! Being at dance camp with so many wonderful collegiate teams was certainly an eye-opening experience. There were SO many cheer squads as well: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, University of Central Florida (UCF), Mississippi State, & the University of Mississippi, just to name a few. Its a bit intimidating, being compared to girls who work out as often as they breathe! While at camp, you learn some routines & on the last day of camp, you are evaluated on those routines. At the end of camp, I walked away with all Blue Ribbons :) We did the same kind of thing at High School Summer Camp & I am proud to say that I have never received anything other than a Blue Ribbon in all my dance camp history... (on the UDA-Universal Dance Association- scale: Blue is the Best, Red is Average, White is Poor & not getting a ribbon at all is just plain Sad. I have always been drilled that anything less than Blue is Unacceptable. 3 Places were given out for home routine. LSU received 1st Place (They were Insanely good! :) 2nd Place went to the University of Louisiana, & Florida State (FSU) got 3rd (I thought FSU deserved 2nd!- They did an Adorable "Hairspray" routine to "You Can't Stop the Beat!") Camp was a great experience- especially getting to bond with my team. We've only been together for about a week & a half & we are Already SO close! I can tell that I am going to have a Wonderful Year!!! :)

Callie's European Experience

2008-07-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

So over all, my European experience was a wonderful one! I would fully encourage you to take your own... I'm actually even thinking about doing a 4 week Study Abroad Program next year :) My favorite place to visit was probably Amsterdam. I was fortunate enough to take a boat tour through the city, tour the Anne Frank House & even walk through the Red Light District. (All the rumors you may have heard about it, I can confirm, are not simply Rumors! haha ;) Now I am back at home & I'm preparing myself for those long MTSU dance practices. We go to camp July 25, 26 & 27th. I'll post some pictures from my fabulous camp experience at The University of Alabama next- Stay Tuned :)

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Monday-Sunday...

2008-07-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Someone UNDER the age of 18 should NOT read this Entry!!!

So there is good news & bad news.... The Good news is: I'm having a wonderful time! The bad news is, I've been so busy that I don't have time to blog very much. Here is what I've been up to the past few days... Monday I traveled to Koln, a famous German town with a Cathedral that other cathedrals would not want to be compared to... It was beautiful! We also did some more shopping & sight-seeing.. It was alot of fun! We even ate at McDonald's for lunch (Its not as good as ours;) When we were finished with our shopping we walked around the parts of the city that lie along the Rhine or Rheine (I'm not sure how to write it), but its one of the major rivers in Germany. We stopped & had cappacinos at a cafe & enjoyed the great weather. It was a perfect day. On Tuesday, we journeyed to Santen (or Xanten) & saw another cathedral, but what was absolutely adorable was the close-knit town of Santen (with its small cafes & cute little shops.. everyone acknowledged one another with a Good Morning- How're you?- but in German, Of Course!-- as Leo would say...) After we left Santen- we went to the next town to their swimming hole (which was actually the river) The amazing thing (to me-- keep in mind that I am easily Amazed!) was that there was a big wire that went around in the air above the water & there was a station where you could get jet ski's or a wake board & get hooked on to the wire & the wire would pull you- as if you were being pooled by an invisible boat that floated high up in the air. Leo, Regan & Trevor tried it. I think Regan & Trevor got up a few times (which is way more than I Know that I could ever do! lol) but it was Leo who was the real Pro! He went around for what seemed like forever, while Momma Teash & I once again read as we laid out in the sun on the sandy beach. I'm pretty sure I haven't mentioned this to you yet, but in Europe.. people are definately Not afraid to wear WHATEVER they want to the beach! So many people think they looked Hot & let me tell ya- they Did Not!!! ALL the men wear speedos!!! All of them! & some of the boys even wear these little hot pants... but most young men or guys wore swimming trunks. Even the women were not nearly afraid to flaunt what they had! There were women about... oh 10 Times Bigger than me in Skimpy skimpy bikinis!!! Theres more.... people change right out in the open... right in front of you! To you- this may not be news, but to me... It Is! People are so open with everything. Please don't take this the wrong way- it is merely one of my many observations about Europe & I am in no way preaching or leaning toward one side of the subject that I am about to speak of. Here, they talk about having sex as openly as we talk about what we want to eat for dinner! The PDA is Un-Be-Lievable! At Jenny's party, Teamo was talking to me about how in America we are not open about such things & I told him that is true... We were all talking about how we think so many more people (young people- to clarify) have sex, but America has an outrageous amount of teen pregnancies & that happens rarely to Never happens here! & one of the hypothesis is that it doesn't happen as often here because they make it such a more open subject & make birth control available (in a sense that, they Want girls to have birth control) rather than make them feel bad for wanting it. Thats just something interesting for you to ponder about.... Anyways... One day we had a chill down day.. we were all so tired & worn out from all the walking & sightseeing that we desperately needed it! (haha) The last night of our stay with the Hegger's- we went to the market & made them a Mexican meal that we would eat at home: A taco ring, faitas & I made fried ice cream (everyone said they liked it- so maybe I'll open up a Mexican restaurant- haha, look out McMinnville!) ... very funny (I know:) It was fun cooking dinner for Tessi's family- they feel like they are my own. Now we are at Anneloes' in The Netherlands- to be more specific.. Holland. The first night we spent with her we had dinner & got to know her family even better Then we got to see Anneloes' hometown- Cuijk, (but we're staying with some of her parent's friends in the next town away- it is called Nijmegen). The place we are staying at is a beautiful 3 story building in town. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful their home is. Its a little awkward that we are staying with people that we don't know, but they have been So nice to let us stay at their home. Yesterday Lucy took us on a Dutch adventure- it was fun seeing the windmills & old Dutch houses. After that we made pizzas- they were delicious! We each made our own minaiature one- (they were too cute!) Anyways.. Today we went to a World War 2 Museum & to a World War 2 cemetary. The museum was great (because I'm a history geek) The Holocaust section was very sad. You simpithize for each & every person that was effected by the War. At the moment I am typing from Anneloes' parent's house. We came here for dinner & have had a wonderful time. We ate shoarma (which is: pita sandwich with beef in the middle) & white rice, baked potatoes (but they are different from our- but I gave them 2 thumbs up with ketchup!;) & I really like the homemade applemousse (which was like a really good applesauce:) Regan tried to ride a bike in the street in front of their house (she did good considering that the seat is so tall its even with our stomachs- lol). We\ve had alot of fun laughing & talking... tommorrow we travel to Amsterdam- I'm thrilled about that! It doesn't get dark here until about 10 o"clock & the sun rises at about 4. The kool thing is the closest parking spots in the city are reserved for Women!! They're So nice here !!! So from Voerde to Koln to Santen to Cuijk to Nijmegen to Arnhem to Overloon & back to Cuijk... Try to keep up.... Where in the World is Callie Durham??? .............. Stay Tuned :) - As Always

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Sunday...

2008-07-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday we slept in & woke to our usual breakfast of the bakery fresh breads & rolls. With butter, jams & little pieces of meats (like ham, salami & chicken -that is sliced very thin like ham-) & of course there was Coffee! After breakfast, we got ready & we (Momma Teash, Regan, Trevor, Leo, Tessi & I) drove to Wesel. We were in pursuit of Gelato (the italian ice-cream). It had been Tessi's idea, she knew a really good place to go... We walked into the ice cream parlor (& once again, you could hear the Hallelujah chorus)- the italian shop had every kind of gelato & they had many different fixings (like the way an ice cream sundae is put together but they were all different). The portions were so big that Regan & I decided to share one. It was Delicious! Everyone was satisfied with their gelato. After we were finished, we decided to walk around the town of Wesel... We looked in all the little shop windows (some of the windows displayed some really kool & neat products, while others looked pretty corney). The funny thing is All of the shops were closed. Tessi brought up how it was weird that in Europe, they didn't go to church much (or at all), but none of the stores were Allowed to be open (with the exception of restaurants & gas stations) & in America, the majority go to church, but we keep pretty much everything open (with a few exceptions, like mostly privately owned small businesses). It was a bit peculiar, but we kept walking & looking at the sights. We came upon what the sign told us was The Berlin Gate (it was very tall & had things written on it in German)- we got our picture made with it (of course!- as Leo would say..lol). We also saw a statue of a donkey & asked Tessi why there was a statue of a donkey in the middle of the square.. Tessi told us that there is an old German story about a donkey that poops money & thats what the statue stands for. Momma Teash exclaimed, "Where can I get one of those?" Before you knew it, Tessi was up on the donkey's back, swinging her legs back & forth like she was riding it. Then (with a boost from Leo & Trevor) Momma Teash was up on the donkey's back, along with Tessi. It was hil-ar-i-ous! (I also got a picture of that!;) Next we saw a beautiful Catholic Cathedral, with great detail & even gargoyles! Next to the church was a beautiful garden with a fountain in the middle. There are so many pretty gardens here... (It must be a law that everyone has to have a garden in their back yard- because every house we've seen, has an absolutely gorgeous garden!) - My Auntie (Paula) would be in heaven here! After seeing the town, we headed back to Tessi's & when we got there we met Tessi's grandmother, her aunt- Betty & her uncle- Marcus. For dinner we ate liverworst, cold kraut (Momma Teash said we call it vinegar slaw at home), there was some kind of sausages (but they were white!) & freshly baked pretzels! Guess what I liked the best? lol- The pretzels- they were great!!! (but everything else was making me come to the point where my stomach would turn to just look at it). It was so nice of Tessi's family to make us dinner every night & I didn't want to be rude... so I tried it, but its not what I'm used to... so I didn't like it. By the time we finished eating, it was time for the Euro Cup 2008 to begin. We call it soccer but they call it fussebal here. Tessi had ran upstairs & appeared again in a few minutes, sporting her Germany shirt & her aunt Betty had done the same. Everyone was really getting into the game.. I noticed that Germany's team captain was really cute! -his last name is Ballock. Earlier, Tessi had tried to teach us some of Germany's fight songs, so we tried to sing along... Lets just say- It was fun trying. When the game ended the score read Spain:1, Germany:0 -even though we lost, it had been so much fun to watch (thats the most I've ever gotten into a soccer game before). But Tessi began to cuss in German (She & Leo were pissed!- I would've been too if it was my home team & we had come so far...) Over the period of our stay here, we have made so many inside jokes & the next thing you knew, we were talking and laughing as if we had never lost! Where in the World is Callie Durham???... From Voerde to Wesel... & back to Voerde.... Where will we go next.... Stay Tuned (to find out ;)

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Saturday...

2008-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today we headed to Oberhausen to the CentrO Mall/Galleria for a girls-only shopping trip! Anneloes met us at Tessi's for breakfast. Then Regan, Tessi, Momma Teash, Anneloes & I packed into the Big van, that Tessi's parents own, & began traveling down the Autoban. We even clocked Tessi going 145 mph!!! (don't worry we were wearing our seatbelts;) As we drove through the many fields, we could see a head gliding along behind the fields of wheat. When we drove around, you could make out that the people were actually riding their bikes on a tiny paved road- made especially for bikes. If you're a perceptive person, you would notice that everywhere there is a road for cars, there is a paved path alongside of it for bikes as well. (I also noticed that in Tessi's house, pretty much every room has track lighting, instead of light fixtures). But getting back on the subject... as we stepped into the mall Regan said that she could hear the "Hallelujah" chorus (& I agreed with her), but Tessi explained that it was just her (singing it;) lol! Earlier that morning Tessi had been describing the mall to us & said that she wants Heaven to look just like this mall, but she also said that if it is what Hell looks like, then it can't be that bad (I don't know about that, but I do know that I loved this mall!- It was Grrr....eat). My favorite part was the shoes! Europe has The Cutest Shoes!!! (I got 2 pairs of shoes, a pair of earrings, a belt, a vest & a blazer/jacket). After most of our shopping was done, my feet & back started hurting, but we kept trudging on... One of the stores was Tessi's favorite, Its H & M. She told us they've got one in New York that is like 4 stories tall. Once we had finished shopping, we headed toward the food court for a late lunch. The only signs I recognized were McDonald's & Starbucks, but I ended up eating at a place that had chicken in the title (who would have thought? lol) it was ok, but not that good. All in all, our shopping trip had been a success. On the way home, Anneloes told us that she missed little Jesse (which is pronounced: Yessa, over here). As soon as we arrived at Tessi's house, you could see Jeroen's car in the drive. She said her good-byes & left with Jeroen to go see her baby. When we walked in we could see that we were just in time for dinner. Suzanna had made some kind of sausages, knödel, & kraut (that was Purple!) Once again, I am a very picky eater, but the only thing I could really eat was the sausages... And did I ever tell you that the drinks here don't come in 20 ounces or 2 liters? -They come in 1 liters or .5 liters. Anyways... by the time dinner was over, we had just enough time to change clothes & freshen up for Jenny's party. On Friday, or last night, Jenny had asked us if we liked pizza. We told her yes, but that we thought ours was different that theirs. She told us that she and Maren were making them for her party tonight. She asked what we liked on our pizza & when we told her we liked meats, like: pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon.... she said you put bacon on a pizza? lol! She said that she would try to put something on them that we would like. (She's so nice) Tessi had made some salads to take over there.. I was so excited, because this food sounded more familiar. I was glad that I hadn't really eaten much at dinner. We arrived at Jenny's house about 10 minutes after the party was set to begin & upon arriving, Jenny instantly started introducing us to everyone there. She asked if we would like some sangria (which after we asked, Jenny told us was a sweet wine with fruit at the bottom of it). We said yes & after tasting it, I thought it was good! :) I mostly only remember the people's names that I sat with at dinner (some of their names are hard to say). The ones I remember the best are: Maren, Charlotte & I met a girl named Nina Fuchs (who is a really nice girl who was an exchange student for a year in Oklahoma- the year Carrie Underwood won American Idol) She loved the show- So You Think You Can Dance?- So you can imagine that we talked for hours! I also met a really really sweet girl named Katrin (Earlier, we had seen Tessi chatting with her on her German Instant Messanger). Nina & Katrin both spoke very good English. Then it was time to eat, we went around & checked everything out. I ate some of Tessi's salad & some pizza (I think it had ham & mushrooms on it) I picked the mushrooms off & cut it up with my knife & fork (they're so much more formal about eating here than we are. I don't want it to sound like we have no table manners, but back home I know that most people just pick up a piece of pizza & eat it with your hands & do you remember the last time your whole family sat down together & ate a meal & talked about their day? I don't). The pizza & the company was good- I had so much fun! As soon as everyone was done, Jenny's mom came around & served chips & chocolates (they always do that after they eat...). Before too long Jenny came around with more drinks to which, people would toast to Jenny! After a while she brought around some watermelon (once again, something I recognized! :) Then the music started playing & Tessi & Katrin jumped & started singing some song that I had never heard (it was a pretty hilarious song though). The swayed back and forth making hand motions & really getting into the song. Next thing I knew Regan was up there swaying with them, lol! Then a familiar song came on.. Regan pulled me up out of my chair & we started dancing (the way we usually do.. which is different from how they dance- we were probably entertaining to watch). Then the song came on that was our MTSU try-out routine, so I started doing that dance & before long the dance floor started clearing & everyone was watching me, so I stopped, but before I could walk off the floor.. Jenny ran up to me & pulled on my arm & said, "Please do it again! Please!" (she had a camera in her hand too lol!) I told her if she turned the song back to the beginning I'd do it one more time. So I did my little dance again & everyone was staring (I couldn't do it to the best of my ability because I had jeans on, but whatever..) When I was done Jenny was at my side once again, but this time she grabbed my hand & said, "Come on, I have to introduce you to the boys outside!" She sounded so excited! Before I could resist we were outside on her patio (there was a big window in the living room so that if anything was going on in the living room, you could see it when you were sitting on the patio) So I knew that those boys had just seen my little performance. (I could feel my cheeks getting a little hot, but I think it was more from just having done that dance, than of being embarrassed). Jenny introduced me to 4 boys (-I'm going to tell you their name, by the way that they sound.. rather than the way they are correctly spelled): Team-O, Ewwla, Marcel & Hendrick (Nina was sitting outside as well & after Jenny had introduced everyone, she plopped me down into a chair between Nina & Marcel). They were all pretty kool. Marcel reminded me so much of a guy from back home (he resembled him so much, with just a few minor differences). Teamo was pretty funny (but later on Tessi told me that he thinks he is God's gift to Earth.. I could kind of see that) Ewwla I couldn't understand as well, but I think Jenny said that he & Hendrick could speak a little bit of Spanish. It was alot of fun hanging out with Jenny & her friends- they all seemed very nice. Later on, more people had congregated outside & were enjoying the cool weather. Katrin came & talked to me some more & Tessi & Regan... then one of Jenny's friends came to talk to me about visiting America (she wanted to know some things that kids liked to do in America, so that she would know for when she came to visit Jenny). Later on Jenny told me thank you & that I had been a big help. It was a great night... We waited for a taxi on Jenny's front porch steps as Nina, Marcel & Teamo rode off on their bikes... This place was so different from what I'm used to, but not in a bad way (with the exception of the food that I miss back home). In Europe everyone is nice to everyone, they recycle everything!- all of their bottles (& get money back for it) papers.. everything! The men even help do Everything! They make meals, clean, help with anything that you need & not Once are they asked to help.... they just do it! You would almost think that this place is too good to be true (but if it were really to good to be true the food would have to be better lol). All in all, It is a wonderful place to lay your head at night. I am loving it here... Where in the World is Callie Durham???... Oberhausen.... & back to Voerde....In a place that we should strive to be more like..... Stay tuned... ;)

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Friday continued...

2008-07-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hallo! Ahh... Europe is Amazing!!!- I have been So busy taking everything in. Well I'll start from where I left off.... Friday we journeyed to Dorstem, Germany to go swimming at the Atlantis Swimming pool. As we walked in & paid for our pass into the complex, we were given a bracelet with a square magnet attatched to it. You went through to the dressing area & into one of the small rooms that looked like a fitting/dressing room. Once inside you pulled a lever that locked the door & when you were finished- you pulled the lever & walked through a door opposite of the one that you entered from (kind of like those elevators that you mostly see in hospitals where you walk in one side & out the other). On the other side of the dressing area were lockers to store your belongings. Once you found an empty one & stored your things, you held the magnet part of your bracelet up to the lock until you heard a click to know that it had locked. We then ventured around & through the ladies area... where Tessi pointed out the W.C. (or Water Closet). In Germany they call the restrooms/bathrooms the Water Closet & a bathroom is a room that actually has a bath in it. Anyways... when you walked out you could see a huge indoor pool for swimming laps & another indoor pool with 3 slides (it was So cute!) There was even a big pirate ship as part of the pool's architecture & a walkway/bridge over the pool so that you could get from one side of the pool (where the chairs were for laying out) to the other side (where the snack bar is). There was also an outdoor pool & chairs for laying out alongside of it. I can barely describe the outdoor pool, but I'm going to try... There was a Huge rock wall that had water that flowed down from it & into the pool (like a waterfall lol;). The pool was not like a normal pool back home... You know how you have to step down into the pool to get into the water... well this pool was different. The pool was overflowing with water that went into drains that surrounded the outskirts of it's perimeter! (You can tell that I am easily amazed- lol!) Tessi, Regan, Leo, Trevor & Tessi's dad all went to swim while Momma Teash & I snuggled up with a good book outside in the sun. I never really noticed just exactly how much PDA (public displays of affection- for those of you who don't know;) was going on, until I saw it with my own eyes. Everywhere you looked you could see a couple making out! Some were in the pool pressed up against a wall, or some were even in one chair (together) on top of or beside each other. Take it from me, they were All over each other & it was No Big Deal! (Things are not exactly the same in America) I stopped staring and continued reading my book again.. ( I forgot to mention how other people stare here... --and its not because of our accents, because we weren't even saying anything-- but our (or most Americans) staring isn't so bad because most of the time we're staring because we've just dazed off & are in a trance, but in Europe... people stare at you because they can & once again- its No Big Deal!) lol, but after a while Momma Teash & I started getting a little chilly because the sun kept hiding behind the clouds, so after a few hours had passed, we ventured around- checking everything out.. (we found that they had a steam room as well). Finally we found the others & Tessi's dad told us that we were going to leave in about 10 minutes, if that was ok with us? That was fine, so after the boys joined us (from their last slide down the slide) we headed towards the lockers... repeated the same process & on our way out we fed our bracelets into a machine that opened a little gate so that we could pass through towards the exit. Once we were back at Tessi's house, we got ready & we (momma Teash, Tessi, Regan & I) left to pick Jenny up & continued on our way to Charlotte's, for dinner with the girls. It was there that we met Charlotte, her mom- Eve, & Maren. We had already met Jenny. Charlotte, Jenny & Maren make up some of Tessi's best friends & I can see why, because they are All So nice!!! Eve asked if we would like a Tequila Sunrise or Champagne. Tessi told us that we better take Eve up on the offer for Tequila Sunrise because it was good, so Regan & I got that, while Momma Teash got champagne. (Did I mention that you're legal to drink here where you're 16, but you can't drive until you're 18? -That second part doesn't really matter because everyone rides bikes here anyways... lol) The conversation was as natural as breathing.. It was so easy to talk to the girls. Jenny & Maren are much better at speaking english that Charlotte & her mom (but they could both understand us & knew what we were saying). So, as we say back at home, It's all good :) We also got to see Charlotte's dad & her grandmother. Her grandmother was so Adorable! She looked like she was about to go have tea at the club. She was wearing a matching skirt suit with a fancy hat & little matching gloves. Eve brought out what looked like one big round crossiant & set it on the table. It was a ham, cheese & bacon quishe- it was pretty good! (It really reminded me of the bacon, egg & cheese crossiant that I used to eat for breakfast from Arby's when I was little.) After dinner, Eve served us some chips, chocolates & pop-cicles. It was so much fun! Jenny & I had alot in common- we talked alot about the kids that she would be keeping in America. I started getting tired & I realized it was one in the morning. As soon as Jenny finished her champagne we were saying "tchüss" or bye! (in German;) Charlotte's boyfriend came & picked her & maren up & Eve followed us out to the street. Tessi Lou drove us away as we waved good-bye. We stopped to drop Jenny off at her house & then headed back home. By the time we got there it was 2 A.M... it took me a little while to fall asleep, but once I was out... I was out. So we started the day off in Voerde, Germany... traveled to Dorstem... to the next town town over & then back again to Voerde... Where in the World is Callie Durham??? ..... Stay Tuned :)

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Friday...

2008-06-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today i woke up in the country that is home to sauer crout, good beer, the Berlin wall & if you haven't figured out the location that I'm talking about... then I'm a little worried about you. To give it away it is also where my beloved, Tessi Lou, lives... Last night we traveled from Cuijk, Holland to Voerde, Germany. The funny thing is we crossed over into Germany in a short 20 minutes & it only took about an hour to get to Tessi's town. Once again, we got to take in the beautiful scenery of the never-ending fields & rivers. I am so glad that I have been blessed with the opportunity to come visit here... It makes you think twice about if you want to come home (mom don't have a panic attack, lol). Tessi's mom, Suzanna, cooked us dinner & we enjoyed some humorous conversation that, half of which, we could barely understand.. whenever the German language started going alot or there was a silent period, Regan & I would hum the tune to jeopardy- lol! That's one thing we understand. We got to meet Tessi's mom & dad (Andrew) & her brother (Jonathan). On the trip to Tessi's house, her mother had asked me if I was single & when I told her i was she said she wanted to fix me up with Jonathan. I should have never told her I was single, because even when we met other people she told them she was trying to set us up- oh boy lol. We already knew her other brother, Leo (he's the baby of the family, but also the life of the party), we also met Tessi's 'significant other' (Sasha) & her best frined (Jenny). They were all really nice! Jenny is actually coming to New York in 2 weeks to be an au pair for a couple & their 2 children. Tessi gave us a tour of her house- which is also Very nice. I cannot begin to explain how kool the houses are over here, Regan even said she wants to build a house like the ones here, because she likes them so much. I love Tessi's room- it toatlly fits her personality. You can find sunflowers here and there (in the form of a pillow, wall painting, on her cups..) & later on after dinner, while we sat and talked, her brother (Leo) brought it to our attention that they (her family) call her their 'Sunflower', because she's always got a smile on her face & is in good spirits. After being told that, all the sunflowers in her room made even more sense. By being on this trip, you get to experience a whole other culture- & its a great culture to experience! This morning we slept in (catching up on our lost time) got ready & then went down stairs & had breakfast. We had what is a normal German breakfast. About 4 diferent kinds of breads/rolls, butter, jams (that have different flavors than we are used to) & the juices were also more of different fruits mixed together (not like our usual just plain grape juice). The bread/rolls were freshly made from a bakery & looked liked they had popped out of a picture in a magazine. I had some of their coffee & I liked it alot. They also drink hot tea here. Take my word for it- it is Nothing like our good ole Sweet Tea at home, but its ok. (I have loved every minute of my trip & I have no doubt that the rest will be just as good. Today we are going to Tessi's friend (Charlotte's) house for dinner & tomorrow we are going to her friend Jenny's going away party (becauselike i said yesterday she is going to live in New York for a little while). Jenny even told Tessi that she wants me to do her hair for her party! I'm glad to make new German friends, I even added Jenny on facebook last night. Right now we are about to leave for the "Schwimmbad,"- thats German for Swimming Hole. Maybe I'll get a tan (lord knows, I need one'!) lol, One night Tessi is going to take us to a disco (or dance club)! I'm excited about everything going on here... Where in the World is Callie Durham??? This morning Voerde, Germany..... later on today..........Stay tuned ;)

Where in the World is Callie Durham??? Thursday...

2008-06-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hallo! (Thats Hello in Dutch!) If you haven't already guessed- I'm writing this post from across the pond. I'll start from the beginning, our journey began yesterday when we left the BNA Airport in Nashville heading toward Philidelphia, for a short time to switch planes. On our flight to Philly, the man in the seat in front of Regan & I, Ripped his pants on the arm rest!!! It was sad & hilarious at the same time. The landing was a little bit rough, but we got there in one piece, so no complaints! Upon arrival in Philidelphia, Regan exclaimed that for lunch, "We should eat a Philly while we're in Philly!" We ended up at TGI Friday's for our last "American" meal before heading to our gate number. Once we got to the gate a nice family that we had met, that were also traveling to Amsterdam, told us that the gate number for our flight to Amsterdam had been changed. About five minutes later the gate number had been changed yet again... A voice came over the speaker that clued us into why the gate numbers had been changed. The plane that we were supposed to be departing on had not passed the inspection test, so they were having to get a new plane & have it inspected.... they thought there would be a delay, but we ended up leaving right on time. Before boarding the plane, Momma Teash gave me half of a pill that would make me drowsy because I told her that I wanted to make sure I could sleep on the plane, so I would be rejuvinated & ready to go when we arrived in Europe. On the plane, Regan & I were sitting together. I was by the window & there was a vacant seat on the other side of Regan. People were still boarding the plane when we found our seats & as the oncoming travelers shuffled through the door & I noticed a really pretty guy with a nice tan & thought, "He is CUTE! Wouldn't it be great is he sat by us?" lol! I started wishing I'd put make-up on :) The irony of it was that the next thing I knew... that Same guy came to our seats and said, "Hello Ladies." I was about to die, not because he sat next to us, but because Momma Teash was in the seats across the aisle from us & as soon as he sat down she started giving me the "Ew.. He's cute! You are in Heaven" eyebrow expression lol! I had to turn my head so that the beautiful stranger wouldn't know I was laughing. Needless to say- It was a Great plane ride. We had good conversation with the boy who's name was Chad Boda. He was from Florida & his mom dates one of the owners of the Indianapolis Colt's Football team. He even had his own Super Bowl Ring with his name on it from when the Colts won!- (We took a picture of it;) He also told us about his girlfriend, who is in Sweden right now... (should've known he'd have a girlfriend) lol Half way through the movie, 27 Dresses, I was asleep. I slept pretty good & when I woke up it was almost time to land. I still don't feel jet lag at all, but I sleep like a rock. We arrived at Amsterdam's Fabulous & interesting airport & were greeted by Anneloes, her husband- Jeroen & Jereon's sister, Lichelle. It was Great to see Lucy again! I've missed her & Tessi Lou so much! Its not the same when they're not around... After leaving the airport, we rode a train to Anneloes' town- which was a really kool way to travel, because we got to see the scenery. Then we went to her mom's house for a late lunch, where we met her mom (Marian) & her brother (Koen). Marian had made a traditional Dutch lunch... all i can say is- I 'tried' it lol. We ate on a patio in their back yard. It looked like something out of "Better Homes & Gardens." The ferns, flowers & vines were beautiful. Their house was So cute! It was small, but everything was simple & adorable & Anneloes' family were so nice & welcoming. We just now came to Anneloes' apartment to freshen up & change clothes. Anneloes' other brother (Guus) came to her apartment to meet us, he was very nice as well. Today has been a great day so far- I can't understand Anything that others are saying, but its ok because Regan, Momma Teash & Trevor are in the same boat as me. I love how different everything is here. It has a beauty of its own. I also love that their aren't any bugs or snakes here (that was a little random, but just throwing it in there;) My day started in Amsterdam, but now I'm in Cuijk, The Netherlands.... Where in the World is Callie Durham? Today Cuijk... Tomorrow?...........Stay Tuned :)

2008 CMA Fest!!!

2008-06-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Travis Young invited Charlie Hennessee, Hannah Taylor & myself to attend the CMA Festival in Nashville... who wouldn't want to go to the CMA Fest? lol... I had only been to one other concert in my whole life & It was Brittany Spears when I was in 5th grade. It goes without saying that the CMA Fest was MUCH better than my previous concert experience. I got to listen to some great artists & some really great songs- Trace Adkins even sang, "You're gonna miss this." (Which was Awesome!) Especially since we just graduated a month ago & everyone had been playing that song & telling us that later on if life, we're going to have wished time hadn't passed by so fast. At the moment... time is flying by for me. Half of the summer is over & it feels like graduation was Literally yesterday. Right now, I'm not upset with the way time is passing, but I know one day my feelings on the subject may have changed... just as my life will have. All in all the CMA Fest was Great! I was very happy to have the opportunity to experience it :)

My New Little Apartment Family :)

2008-06-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a very interesting day. I journeyed to Murfreesboro on a mission to find my new place of residence. I've looked many times & all the different complexes have pros & cons. After a short period of deliberation, me & my new 'roomies' (Lacie Mullican, Lauren Hunter & Chelsea Banks) decided on a nice apartment with good amenities & a shuttle bus to carry us to & from school (which will be very convenient with the ever so rapidly rising gas prices!) It was a small adventure as my fellow roommates & myself got to know each other a little bit better. I have a confession to make... All 4 of us (roommates) are Ditsy lol. As the lady who was giving us a tour of the property was showing us the outdoor pool, she also pointed out where the Post Office boxes or P.O. boxes were so we would know for future references... & at that time Chelsea exclaimed: "IS THAT WHAT PO STANDS FOR??? POST OFFICE?" What makes it hilarious is that Chelsea was as serious as a heart attack. (On an earlier trek I took with Lauren & Chelsea, while we were apartment hunting, we came to a limb- that was more the size of a small tree- in the middle of the road & Chelsea simply said "Just run over it.. I do it All the time- If a trash can is in the road.. I run it over or drive it into a ditch using my front bumper...":) LMAO!!! I have no doubt that we are going to have a wonderful little apartment family- Lacie cooks, I am the human GPS system, Chelsea can provide entertainment & with Lauren thrown in the mix... we are bound to have a wonderfully adventurous Freshman year! :)

That's SO Callie!

2008-06-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm new to the whole blogspot scene, so bear with me.. lol. My name is Callie Brooke Durham & If you're reading this.. then you probably already know me :) I'm 18 years old. I'm from Warren County, Tennessee and I'm going to be a Freshman at MTSU this fall. I am also a member of the MTSU dance team. Dance is something I am really passionate about. Everyone has something they love to do and dance is what you could call my escape from everything else! I also love to teach dance. I've been teaching at Paula's Dance Academy for the past 4 years & now that I'm going to be moving to Murfreesboro, I'm pursuing other job opportunities- though no studio could EVER take the place of Ms Paula's. She is like family to me, but to get back on track.. (I get off subject alot.. like i said, bear with me: thanks;) I had an interview at a new studio, that is near Lebanon, last week & hopefully I'll be teaching Lyrical/Contemporary there starting this fall =) I'll keep you updated on all that is Callie, I'm terribly sorry if I'm not very interesting, but I'm not forcing you to read this lol. Well thats pretty much all for the moment... Welcome to the Chronicles of Callie :)