The Story of Nikki Tatom

NEW BLOG!!! NEW BLOG!!!

2006-01-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

I've started a new blog at http://Covenant-Woman.blogspot.com. I'm not Nikki Tatom anymore, so I can't keep nikkitatom.blogspot.com. The new blog is about married life-things I'll be learning, funny stories, and probably random things that have nothing to do with marriage. :) If you have a link to my blog, please change the link to http://Covenant-Woman.blogspot.com.

Last Show in Louisville...

2005-12-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

It's a sad time. Yes, folks, it's true. It's time for...

My Last Show In Louisville!!!
I'm so sad, but so excited at the same time.

Nikki Tatom (with John Ross!)
and Jamie Barnes (www.JamieBarnes.net)

Friday, Dec. 9
Nikki and J.Ro play from 9-10
Jamie plays from 10-11

Sunergos Coffee

2122 S Preston Street

www.SunergosCoffee.com

$3 Cover

I hope everyone can come out to this sad, but fun show. This is (for real this time) the last show.

Things That Just Don't Go Together

2005-12-03T00:43:00.000-05:00

Vietnamese Food and Hot Chocolate
Toothpaste and OJ
Burritos and Folk Music
John Piper and Mr. T
Gold and Yellow
Ice Cream and Peanuts
Michael Savage and Hilary Duff
Sweatpants and heels

What am I missing?

Final Fun

2005-11-29T10:57:00.000-05:00

"Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh." Go ahead. Say it fast. If you're like me, you'll say "Jonah did-n wanna go-da Nin-a-vah."

I was up late last night studying for a final and I started cracking up when I said that sentence! I know, it was late and I was delirious, but it sounds so funny! It sounds like another language or something!

Yes! FINALLY Someone Gets It!

2005-11-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

It's about time that people started catching on! From a secular source:

Stephanie Coontz, a professor of history and family studies at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.

"If you're in a good relationship and if you want to marry, there's no reason to postpone it."

That's right, Stephanie. I think that we make marriage too hard sometimes. I'm not saying that we should run out and marry someone we just met on the internet (um...) or anything, but far too often I hear people saying "I love my girlfriend, but I don't know if it's God's will for me to marry." My response? Why then are you even dating?
Is it possible that God would give someone the desire to marry and then make sure that it's "not His will" for that person to marry?
Seriously. We don't all have to be 30 and mature before we start thinking about marriage (I know, I know. My fiance is 30). I will be honest. It feels really good to be out of the dating scene. I am so thrilled that I am marrying the most Christ-centered, level-headed, fun-loving, good looking and respectable man in the entire world! I don't have to worry about things like "I wonder what so-and-so meant when he said [fill in the blank]." It's soooo good to be in a life-long commitment.
Everyone should start praying for the Lord to send a spouse into thier lives! I highly recommend it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++
This makes me proud to live in KY. Okay, this is absolutely HORRIBLE! DISGUSTING! GROSS ME OUT!

I Lost a Bet.

2005-11-16T19:49:00.000-05:00

I am supposed to give mad props to Jonathan Christman. He's so great. Yee-haw. He's amazing. Woop-a-dee-doo. Great job on Dr. Moore's mid-term, Jonathan. You sure beat me. You even got "excellent" written on top of your paper. I didn't get anything written on the top of mine. And yee-haw, you wrote 8 pages for one essay question. I didn't do that. So you beat me. You are so smart. You are so great. No seriously, this guy is great! And really smart! He beat me on Dr. Moore's mid-term. But just wait, Christman. The final is December 2.

Wow-crazy article! I'm glad that I born in 1981 and not attending SBTS then!
http://www.tbaptist.com/aab/apostasyatsbts.htm

After finals, I will return to writing random stories and thoughts. I know that this blog has been skimpy (haha) lately, but please be patient until Dec. 2.

Add a Caption (#4)!

2005-11-09T22:57:00.000-05:00

Add a Caption (#4)!

Interesting News

2005-11-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

Did ya'll hear that crazy storm last night?

Colorado is a fun place.

This makes me want to be an archaeologist.

Laughing Gas

2005-11-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

"Are you okay with me puncturing the heck out of your gums with this huge needle?" the dentist asked as I lay helplessly in the blue torture chair. Okay, well it was something similar to that. "Um...I hate needles. I hate pain. Honestly, I want to jump out of this chair and run home right now."

"How do you feel about laughing gas?" he asked.

"I love laughing gas. Apparently I was really funny last time I had laughing gas. I made a dental hygienist crack up," I responded.

A little mask was shoved over my nose and suddenly, entrance into hell...er...I mean, the dentist office wasn't so bad. Within 5 seconds, I began to fly. Within 30 seconds, I began to think they were giving me a little too much laughing gas. I consciously had a huge grin on my face and felt like I had something to hide. A few minutes passed and a dental hygienist came in to check on me.

"How you feelin'?" she asked.

I don't remember my response, but I do remember seeing my right arm flinging around in the air above my body. She turned the laughing gas down.

A few more minutes passed. I began to feel like I was going super fast up a roller coaster. I never came down-I just kept going up and up and up.

The dentist came in and gave me 3 shots in my tender gums. I felt pain, but I really didn't care at that point. I thought to myself "that hurts, but hey, it's alright. No big deal..." He worked on my mouth while I continued to inhale the laughing gas. Sounds began to annoy me. Every time someone said something, the first syllable that they said echoed in my head for at least 5 seconds. The music was killing me! I think a Rod Stewart song was on. The noises were echoing like crazy.

I closed my eyes and began to get sleepy. Very sleepy. So, I thought "Nikki, you better breathe through your mouth." I tried to breathe through my mouth, but I couldn't concentrate enough. The lady working on my mouth kept saying "Open your mouth. Open up. Stay open. Open wide." I was really trying! I couldn't keep my mouth open.

They finished their work and gave me oxygen to breathe for like...2 minutes. They told me I was done, but as I attempted to get out of the chair, the room began spinning. I reached down to get my purse and found myself leaning on the wall for total support.

You know what was funny? I looked in a mirror and there was a HUGE, DEEP circle around my nose. I guess I was sucking the laughing gas in with all my might.

Reformation Day Fun!!

2005-10-23T22:43:00.000-04:00

Halloween freaks me out. It's just weird. We dress little kids up like bloody murderers, witches, ghosts, and SpongeBob SquarePants. We reward their freaky costumes with loads of candy. It's just weird...and a little freaky. I decided to do research on this crazy holiday and to be honest, I was a bit disappointed:
Read the not-so-freaky history of Halloween Here

So, instead of celebrating Halloween, I submit that we all celebrate Reformation Day!! Come on! It'll be fun!

Reformation Day fun can include the following activities:
-Playing Nail the 95 Theses on the Door (like Pin the Tail on the Donkey)
-Making up our own indulgences and then throwing them in a huge bonfire
-Showing the movie Martin Luther on a huge screen on the seminary lawn
-Holding a drama contest for a reenactment of Luther's "Tower Experience"
-Wearing red
-Eating only Gummy Worms all day
-Playing "RECANT!" (A fun game where half of the people yell out RECANT! And then try to look really mean. The other half of the people yell out in unison "I neither can nor will recant anything, for it is neither safe nor right to act against one's conscience!"

Who's in?

Word Of Mouth!!!

2005-10-19T23:32:00.000-04:00

Nikki Tatom and John Ross
This Friday Night

Java Brewing Co. (on Frankfort Ave)

J. Ro plays from 8:00-9:00
Nikki (AND J. Ro) play from 9:00-11:00

Tell your friends!! Grab a cup of coffee and come out to our LAST SHOW in Louisville! (For now, at least)

The Cost of Discipleship

2005-10-18T20:25:00.000-04:00

Have we been taught to share the whole Gospel or just the comfortable parts? Generally, I believe that Christians are able to share the following points:

1. All people are spiritually dead because of their sins and in need of right standing with God.
2. God will breathe new life into every sinner who believes in Him and confesses Jesus Christ as Lord.
3. As a result, a relationship is formed through Jesus' blood and the believer undergoes a process known as sanctification.
4. At the end of the believer's physical life comes glorification-eternal life in heaven with God the Father.

Is this a complete Gospel presentation? I believe that it is not. What about Luke 14: 25-33? In this passage, the crowds are following Jesus. My fiancé preached on this passage a few Sundays ago and as he pointed out, Jesus isn't interested in crowds. He is interested in those who count the cost of being His disciple. Jesus stops the crowd and in a sense says "You are following me now, but do you know where I am going? I am headed to the cross. Count the cost now because once we get to the cross, only those who are true disciples will stay with me."

Counting the cost, huh? When people hear the Gospel message and comprehend it (cognition), do they just pray the prayer and move on? I believe that we should encourage those considering Christianity to count the cost. Being a follower of Christ could cost your comforts. It could cost your family. In fact, it could cost your very life. Is it worth it? Is Jesus worth it? This is the part that seems to be missing from most Gospel presentations. We are so afraid to offend people. We don't want to tell them that sin in their lives must begin to be removed (sanctification). We don’t want to tell them to leave their lives of lustful thinking. We don't want to warn them of their love for the materials things of this world.

Dr. Plummer tells the story of a man who is presenting the gospel door-to-door with a tract. He knocks on a door and a lady answers. He asks if he can share this good news with her. She says yes and begins to listen. He reads each page of the tract. When he comes to the last page, he says "ma'am, I can't read this part. Will you read it out loud?" She says "sure, no problem." She begins to read "the prayer." "Father, forgive me, for I have sinned. I confess that Jesus is Lord. Please come live in my heart...." When she finishes, the man jumps up and down shouting "Yes!! We've got one more!! This lady has just accepted Christ!"

This is NOT the right way to share the gospel! Instead, he should let her know up front that being a follower of Christ will require counting the cost many times.

Counting the cost is not just for those checking Christianity out. It needs to happen often in the lives of believers. Daily sacrificing and dying to your flesh-this is counting the cost. We should encourage each other to daily count the cost of being a disciple of Christ.

Issues

2005-10-12T17:42:00.000-04:00

I am having food/drink issues!!

Issue #1: Cutting meat has always been an issue for me. As a kid I would always have my dad cut my meat whether it was tough or tender. The problem was that when I ever-so-gently moved the knife to and fro to cut the delicious meat, the entire table would wobble and drinks would spill over the edges of the glasses that contained them.

Today I got to eat lunch with SBTS Trustees (in my business suit!). I opted to eat the "country ham." I began to cut my tender country ham with grace running from my fingertips until the table started to wobble. I looked up desperately at my water and tea. Sure enough, the drinks were threatening to run over the sides of the glass with each gentle glide of my hand. I stopped trying to cut my meat and just ate the fruit on my plate. Needless to say, I left hungry.

Issue #2: So I craved Chick-fil-A's chicken nuggets all day long. I left work at about 6:00 and rushed over to Chick-fil-A since it IS the absolute best fast food joint of all time. My mouth watered as I waited in the drive-through line. I decided to go with the 12-piece combo (I usually do the 8 piece). I drove away happy, but I couldn't wait until I got home to eat. So I opened my box, held a container of the barbecue sauce in my left hand, and drove with my right hand. Some crazy lady in front of me SLAMMED on her dumb brakes, so I had to slam on my brakes. That's when the impossible happened. Suddenly...

DUN! DUN! DUUUUUUUUN!

My chicken nuggets fell on the floor!!! AUGH!! It was horrible. I pretty much looked like this:

Issue #3: I was saddened by my chicken nuggets being wasted, but I turned on some oldies and continued to drive home in full assurance that the Lord is sovereign. As I drove, I noticed a strange bike rider. It was a guy with no shirt on. He had a 20-oz bottle of Pepsi...oh man...I'm embarrassed to say this...upside down...with the neck of the bottle stored between the cheeks of his buttocks!! AUGH!! It was traumatizing! I'm sure he was just had nowhere else to store it, but COME ON! Okay, I'm grossed out...

Things you HAVE to do during your time at Southern

2005-10-07T11:24:00.000-04:00

Things you HAVE to do during your time at Southern:

1. Take pictures of the school after a heavy snow.
2. Host a seminary party at your apartment/house at least once.
3. Take Dr. Nettles for at least one class.
4. Make Dr. Nettles sing "Trouble in River City" on the last day of class.
5. Play on an intramural team at least once (especially you girls!!). I spent a significant amount of time trying to recruit girls to play intramural sports, but was unsuccessful. At the most successful point, we had 4 girls signed up for intramural basketball.
6. Study at Sunergos Coffee.
7. Have a picnic on the seminary lawn.
8. Support your fellow SBTS musicians (Nick Nye, Chad Lewis) by going to their shows.
9. Ask someone before eating in the cafeteria for the first time, especially if you'll be eating from the grill. I've been in there 2 or 3 times and I still get confused.
10. Walk around the upstairs of Honeycutt and admire the...different...kinds of paintings.
11. Park in Dr. Mohler's spot during off hours at least one time. I did it for about 20 seconds...(ssshhh!)...what a rush!!

Late Night Ramblings and Questions

2005-10-03T01:38:00.000-04:00

I arrived back in Louisville late tonight. I should just go to bed, but I want to blog for a bit. The problem is that it's too late for me to think of anything clever to blog about. So here are some late night ramblings and questions:

1. Why doesn't blogger's spell check recogize the word "blog?"
2. I was greeted tonight with a stack of returned "Save-the-Date" cards. I am really annoyed.
3. I will be flying in a really small plane at the end of the month (3 seater, I think) and am scared about it. I'm scared that I'll barf. I HATE barfing. I drove myself to the ER a couple of years ago because I vomited 3x in a few hours.
4. What are we supposed to wear for engagement pictures?
5. I wonder what it will be like physically when I die.
6. I have the COOLEST (and hottest) fiance in the world. I love him so much!
7. I'm so excited that Eric Graf is doing our wedding pictures.
8. I wonder if I'll ever be really good at playing the guitar.
9. My throat is itching.
10. I think I'll go to bed now.

Cultivate Beauty.

2005-09-24T21:05:00.000-04:00

I want to encourage you to turn off your TV. I really want to encourage you to cancel your cable and throw your TV away. Although there are a few people who can watch TV in moderation and not be tempted to sin, I believe that the rest of us need to stop watching television and cultivate beauty.

Do I sound too extreme? I am a member at Sojourn. There comes a time every year that Sojourn encourages her members to turn off their televisions and cultivate beauty. I want to encourage the same, only as a lifestyle. This isn't the time of year that Sojourn does her "Cultivate Beauty" month, but for some reason, my anti-TV passion is aroused.

I rarely watch television, but when I do see a show or a commercial, the theme is quite consistent. Sex. Immodest women flood television shows. Commercials meant to arouse sexual feelings in the viewer soak each commercial break. A friend of mine tells of television's involvement with his divorce. His wife was (is) a TV addict. They would come home from work and sit in front of the TV until it was time for bed. They even ate dinner in front of the television. Such a mainstream box in this couple's living room stole hours and hours from their relationship. The wife was unwilling to give up the TV and felt it was better to give up her husband. His attempts to cuddle with her during her "show" were annoying anyway. In fact, 40% of Americans watch television while they eat dinner.

"American children and adolescents spend 22 to 28 hours per week viewing television, more than any other activity except sleeping. By the age of 70 they will have spent 7 to 10 years of their lives watching TV."-- The Kaiser Family Foundation

What about kids? More than half of 4-6 year olds would rather watch television than spend time with their fathers.

In many families the television seems to substitute, rather than facilitate
dialogue among people. A type of 'fast' in this area could also be healthy.
-Pope John Paul II during a speech calling for a 40-day TV-Turnoff

Instead of watching hours of TV, read a book. Paint a picture. Learn to sew. Pray. Take someone out for coffee. Learn to play an instrument. Go for a walk. Learn a new sport. Make out with your spouse. Do something that cultivates beauty!

Is everyone "T.O. ed" yet? I know that there are good channels out there. The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, FOX News, ESPN...I know. In fact, one of my favorite things to do with my fiance is watch Georgia Tech football games on television. However, the majority of television is trash. If you can own a TV with cable and only watch God-honoring shows, then by all means, keep your television! If not, consider getting rid of cable. If that is too extreme, limit your watching time. Do something else. Cultivate beauty.

Calling All Smart People!

2005-09-20T20:45:00.000-04:00

I've been sick for the last two days. I'm talking SICK. I went to a doctor who immediately said that I have a sinus infection. I came home and looked at the symptoms of a sinus infection and I have MORE symptoms than just those listed.

Here are my symptoms:
Sore Throat
Running Nose
Sneezing
Body Aches-back, arms, legs
Sore jaws and teeth
Inside of Ears Hurt
Mild Nausea
Loss of Appetite

And here is the kicker...NO FEVER!! So, I don't think it's a cold or the flu. What is wrong with me? Anyone ever had these symptoms at the same time? Calling all smart people! Please tell me what is wrong with me! I'm miserable!

Little Hyper Puppy

2005-09-19T02:15:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like a little (hyper) puppy running around the big dogs. No, I'm being serious. My roommates are both about 5'10. My new friend Christine is 6'2. I will be the shortest person in my wedding (besides the flower girls and ring bearer). Every last one of my bridesmaids is taller than me. My maid-of-honor, Kristin, is 5'10. She will be standing on one side of me while my 6'0 fiance stands on the other side of me. All 5'0 of me will be invisible! I was recently told that the proper way to line your bridesmaids and groomsmen is tallest to shortest. I think I'll probably look like a midget at my wedding...or maybe like a little puppy among the big dogs.

Blog Tag

2005-09-11T23:47:00.000-04:00

It's time for exciting game of...BLOG TAG!!!
(See? Buzz tagged the bulldog...on my blog...)

I'm kind-of excited right now. I just went blog-surfing and saw that Cheryl tagged me! (And oh man, if you go to her blog, you HAVE to read her post about bananas. I actually feel bad for laughing at her story, but it's funny!!). I don't think she did it right, though. I mean, I've never actually played Blog Tag, but she tagged me on her turf. Doesn't she have to come over to my blog and tag me? I don't know. But either way, I'm glad that I was invited to play this mad game of tag. Usually I'm the last kid picked, but this time, I think I was more like...second to last picked.

5 Things I Miss About My Childhood

1. I desperately miss playing "Pick-Up Sticks."

2. I miss playing outside in the rain at night and actually enjoying stepping on worms (I'm terrified of them now).

3. I miss having two brothers around all the time. I would try to be as cool as my big brother and my little brother was one of my best friends (although I would NEVER tell him that).

4. I miss playing these Spanish typing games that my dad bought for me.

5. I miss the excitement of seeing my puppy (Saki-a Great Pyranese) for the first time.

Dang! Now I'm getting all sappy. Thanks a lot, Cheryl! You know what else I miss? This is so weird, but I think about this sometimes. I miss having Doritos and Coca-Cola for after-school snacks. I saw my mom have that for a snack one time and then I started having that for a snack ALL the time.

Also, my little brother and I used to put pillows all over the floor (of the entire house) and play "lava." You had to run around the house, but you could only step on the pillows or furniture. If you stepped onto the carpet, you were killed by the (dun, dun, duuuuuuunnn!) LAAVVVAA MONSTEEERR!

Oh, the good old days! Okay, that was 7 things. Oops.

Now, I don't know how this Blog Tag works, really, so I'm going to follow Cheryl's lead and tag some people on my turf. So...TAG!! YOU'RE IT!
1. Alex Forrest
2. The Duck and the Goose
3. Leslie Follmar
4. Dr. Russell Moore (Come on, Dr. Moore! Humor us! SBTS wants to hear 5 things that you miss from your childhood!)

On Being a Good Wife...

2005-09-09T10:36:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I am about to be a wife. I am REALLY excited about it too! My fiance is amazing...I want to be a good wife for him. An article was e-mailed to me on being a good wife. Check out this article from Good Housekeeping, May 13, 1955. (I added the numbers and italics). My favorites are numbers 10, 11, 14, 17, and 18. Oh, how the times have changed...

1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so youÂll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

3. Be gay and interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

6. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

7. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the childrenÂs hands and faces (if they are small). Comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

8. Be happy to see him.

9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first -- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

12. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

13. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

14. Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

15. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

16. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

17. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

18. A good wife always knows her place.

********************************
Here's the deal. I don't completely disagree with this article. I agree with a lot of it. However, there are some obviously sexist (and non-Biblical) points. For example, #14: Don't complain if he...stays out all night. Um, excuse me?! If my either myself or my husband stays out all night (without prior explanation), I would hope that either party would have some questions and maybe a few complaints.

I will be a full-time grad. student, working part-time, and doing music part-time. So, I'll be gone just as long (or longer?) than my husband every single day. I might not be home when he gets home. We may order pizza quite a bit. Although this article really has some great points, I would have to be done with school and not working in order to reach these expectations. What is to be expected of a wife/mother who is working, going to school, and busier than her husband?

Don't get me wrong. I believe that biblical submission is necessary (and a joy) in any marriage. But if I have to greet my husband with a low and pleasant voice every day when my eyes will hardly stay open, I will probably not be a good wife.

Some will find this list completely oppressive and offensive. I find some points offensive. I find some points helpful. There are some points that make sense if the husband is doing the same thing. For example: #10: his topics of conversation are more important than yours. If both the husband and the wife feel that the other has more important things to say, it will be a beautiful marriage. If the wife can't say anything, though, because only her husband's thoughts matter, it's a different deal. On the flipside, if the husband can't express his thoughts because the wife feels that only her ideas matter, it's a bad thing.

For the women in my position (school, work, music, etc), I feel that there are other ways in which we can serve and submit to our husbands. I want to submit. I want to serve. But if JD expects me to follow this list 5x a week, I'm in trouble. Does submission mean that if JD gets home two hours earlier than me, he should sit on the couch and watch TV every day until I drag in with books piled in my arms so that I can cook for him? I don't know that submission means that after a 12-hour day I have to tell JD to go to watch "the game" at a bar until I get home so that I can have a meal prepared for him when he walks in.

I know this is getting long, so I'll try to "nutshell" the rest. I will be blessed to cook for my husband every night. I will joyfully have the house cleaned for him and have myself looking the best I can daily. However, with my responsibilities, our lack of income, and my desire to finish school, our lives will not look like the typical 50's household.

All of this is to express my desire to be a good wife and my fear that I won't meet the expectations for my calling.

What Was That Again?

2005-09-04T17:12:00.000-04:00

1. "Got Bobby love, everybody tells me so. Got Bobby loooovee, no, no, no, nooo!"
(Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so. Can't buy me loooovee, no, no, no, nooo!")
The Beatles

2. "I was born to lie."
("I was born to love.")
Over the Rhine

3. "I can call you Eddie, and Eddie when you call me you can call me Al."
("I can call you Betty, and Betty when you call me you can call me Al.")
Paul Simon

4. "Eddie get your house key. So Eddie get your house key. Get your house key, Eddie."
("Annie are you okay? So Annie are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?")
Micheal Jackson

5. "We got the Flintstone microwave ovens."
("We've got to install microwave ovens.")
Dire Straits

What are some lyrics that you sang loud and proud only to find out that they were wrong?

I'm a Believer

2005-09-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

The Apocrypha is one of the most debated set of books in Christian history. Many people argue that these books are non-canonical, but are still useful for the Christian life. In a recent lecture, Dr. Plummer pointed out that the hymn penned by Martin Rinkart "Now Thank We All Our God" was based on Martin Luther's translation of Sirach 50:22-24.

Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.

Also, the famous Christmas song "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" is based out of a passage in The Wisdom of Solomon:

"For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne." (Wisdom 18:14-15).

I've been thinking about this for a few days now. Is it honoring to the Lord to sing songs to Him based on books from the Apocrypha? This leads to me ask if it is honoring to the Lord to sing songs to him based on "Let the Nations be Glad" or "Mere Christianity." In the beginning, I was surprised and a bit standoffish to find out that I had been singing songs based on apocryphal writings. After much thought, though, I now believe that we can honor the Lord by worshiping Him with songs based on books outside of the Canon. I've written songs of worship from points in sermons or books that are not word-for-word Scripture.

However, if these sermons and books are not taken from the truths of the Bible, then they are in vain. If, for example, we were to stand a sing a song about Paul and Thecla’s love for each other, that would not honor the Lord. If I were to sing a song based on Ashley Simpson's latest "hit," that would probably not honor the Lord.

To my embarrassment, I will confess that I have, indeed, worshipped God to a song by The Monkee's entitled "Now I'm a Believer." It's a bit embarrassing, but I even played it on the guitar and sang out "Then I saw His face! Now I'm a believer. Without a trace of doubt in my mind. I'm in love...oooooohhhhhhh...I'm a believer, I couldn't leave Him if I tried!" No, seriously. I actually did that. But I was worshipping. And I think those words are Biblical.

Anyway-I am becoming more aware of the songs that I am singing. Are these words actual truths from Scripture or are they merely man's words that happen to rhyme and sound good together? The big debate today concerning music in the church is tradition versus contemporary. The debate should be Biblical truth versus shallow rhymes. And if you want to worship by singing “I’m a Believer” by the Monkee’s, please do so in the privacy of your own home.

A Game Called "Random Connections!!"

2005-08-17T17:29:00.000-04:00

Let's play a game called "RANDOM CONNECTIONS!!!!!!!"

Here's how you play. Person 1 writes an interesting fact about him/herself. Another person (a random person) writes a comment right after Person 1 if they share the same/a similar interesting fact and THEN writes a different interesting fact about him/herself. Then, the chain continues. This could be a disaster or it could be really fun. Try to come up with unique facts about yourself. If you don't link EXACTLY to someone, it's okay. You just have to connect in some way to their fact.

For example:
Person 1: My favorite food is cream cheese.

Person 2: My favorite food is cheese whiz!
I've been to Madrid, Spain.

Person 3: I've been to Saragosa, Spain!
My stomach growls every single night.

Person 4: My stomach growls every single morning!
I think Dr. Nettles looks like Bob Dylan.

Person 5: I think Dr. Nettles looks like Bob Dylan!
I can't roll my r's.
And so on and so forth.

Ready? I'll start... I can't stand the feeling of my toenails against the inside of cheap sleeping bags.

Missing: My Logic

2005-08-16T13:51:00.000-04:00

Wow. When I stayed up until 4am, I was doing more than just working on my website. I was also working on fliers for the show this Friday night. I made 4 different versions of the flier. One of them included a picture of Napolean Dynomite. Several people who got the Napolean flier were making fun of me because apparently the date on their flier said "April 15." I meant to put August 19. Soooo, if you got a flier that says "April 15," please chalk it up to my late night and just come out to Java this Friday night!

Seriously, my logic has run off and is currently hiding from me. Has anyone seen it? Please, capture it and return it to me ASAP.

My first day of classes was today. I started with sleepy eyes and no logic.

I promise as soon as my logic returns, I will blog about more interesting things. For now, come support local music:

Nikki Tatom
THIS Friday night
9-11pm
Java Brewing Co.
2309 Frankfort Ave.

John Ross will be opening from 8-9pm. He will then join me for the next 2 hours with his accordian, mandolin, guitar, bazouki, ukelele, and whatever else he can think of to bring.

A Shout-Out at 3:55am

2005-08-15T03:49:00.000-04:00

I just have to give a shout-out to DAVID PRICE. It's 3:55am and I just updated my website!!! He brought his son Jacob over yesterday and fixed the damage that I'd done to the site. He then showed me how to further fix the tremendous damage that I had done beyond the front page. It was...let's just say...a pile of...mess. Yes.

Anyway, there are still some things that I can't figure out (with some pictures), but for the most part, it's fixed!! Hooray!! Thanks, David and Jacob!

I was so frustrated with the program that I have. I can't even tell you about it. I was done. I emailed David with tears in my eyes and stress sitting heavily on top of my shoulders. He rescued me.

I don't know jack about html.

This post is really random and my heavy eyelids and tired brain aren't helping. Goodnight.

I just looked at the word "brain" for a long time and thought it said "brian." That was so weird. Goonight.

*********
Haha-now it's morning and I see that I typed "Goo-night." I won't change it-just know that I was delirious! Well folks, it seems that Russ Kreuter is about to leave Blogger because he claims that nobody is commenting on his blog. I encourage you to visit his blog and leave a comment or two just to encourage him.

Also, let's all leave mean comments (right here under this post) for Stuart Swicegood. He started a great blog, but stopped after a measley 2 posts. Come ON, Stuart. Your blog is sissy. Why don't you write something new?

****************
JD and I will be registering for wedding gifts soon. Does anyone have any suggestions of where we should register? I'm not even sure which stores have gift registry and which don't. (AUGH! It still is SO super crazy that I'm getting married! WOAH!)

Modesty Revisited

2005-08-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

I know that modesty in clothing has been the topic of several of my blog entries, but let's revisit the issue (at least) one more time.

Some females hear the word "modest" and immediately picture moo-moos. However, it is possible to dress modestly AND attractively at the same time!

I don't spend a lot of time in malls or at clothing stores mostly because I'm far too cheap to pay full price for clothes. However, when I hear a huge sale is going on, I take a trip to the Summit here in Louisville. The summer clearance sales were going on a few weeks ago (and might still be going on now), so I went into the usuals: Old Navy, Gap, Petite Sophisticate, Limited (Too).

I am VERY excited to see that the modest layered look is becoming quite the trend. Old Navy especially impressed me. Their mannequins were wearing low-cut shirts with higher tank-tops underneath.

Also, tie-neck tops are in-style:

Longer skirts have been "in" for awhile now and they've made the cut for this fall as well.

Shrugs are quickly becoming a hot sell. Although I don't own one, their look is growing on me. Next time I have a bit of extra cash, I think I'll invest in a new shrug. Shrugs are great because you can wear them over tube-tops or spaghetti-strap tanks and you will look completely modest.

Someone asked if I knew of any places that sell modest clothes. Most stores now carry styles that are modest, stylish, and affordable. I highly recommend Old Navy. I don't own a lot of clothes from Old Navy because most of their stuff seems to be made for taller people, but they carry a lot of modest (and cute) things.

I'm not suggesting that Christian women should only care about the current trends, but I do encourage modest dress that doesn't look frumpy. Let's embrace the fact that modest fashion is in style right now. Let's support the modest styles. Companies will see that their modest clothes are out-selling their skimpy clothes and hopefully begin to design more and more shirts, shorts, and skirts that cover more skin.

******************
I just watched some of "The Dukes of Hazzard" trailers and am appalled at what I saw. I know that a lot of Christian guys want to/have seen this movie.
If you have boycotted the Jessica Simpon-types of our day, please speak up! Is there anyone out there who agrees?

Random Polls

2005-08-08T10:08:00.000-04:00

I always have a lot of questions, so take these polls to help me find out the most common answers.

Sunergos Show

2005-08-06T09:51:00.000-04:00

Don't forget:

Nikki Tatom (with John Ross!)
and Jamie Barnes (www.JamieBarnes.net)
Saturday, Aug. 6
9-11pm

Sunergos Coffee
2122 South Preston St
Louisville, KY
www.SunergosCoffee.com

$3 Cover Charge

My Heart Feels Funny

2005-08-02T11:55:00.000-04:00

About every 10 minutes or so, my heart feels funny...and it's not just heartburn. I can be eating or working or resting or driving, but it never fails: my heart begins to physically tingle and I get extremely giddy. Why all the strange emotions, you ask? Well, I do believe these feelings are occurring due to the following fact:

JD AND I ARE ENGAGED!!

I know that I look like a midget in this picture-it's a reenactment of the proposal. Also, his hair is really short-not grey!

He proposed to me on Friday, July 29 at about 9:15pm in Augusta, GA. He completely surprised me, which I love. After dinner that night, we were driving to rent a movie (or so I thought) when we ended up in the parking lot of Old Kiokee Baptist Church. Kiokee was founded in 1784 (the oldest Baptist church in Georgia) by Daniel Marshall, who was saved under Jonathan Edwards' ministry during the Great Awakening. Old Kiokee's church building was built in 1808. It has been restored several times and the building still stands beautifully. When I noticed candles in the windows and the church door open, I freaked out! I kept saying over and over in my head "Ohmygosh! I'm fixin' to get engaged! Ohmygosh!"

We walked into the church when JD pointed out the fact that I was shaking uncontrollably and breathing hard. I couldn't respond to him, but I was thinking "I've been looking forward to this day since I was seven years old!" The entire church was candle lit. JD read from Ephesians 5 about husbands and wives. He said some really sweet things (that I can't remember because I was totally freaking out!), got down on one knee and proposed. I was like "YEEEEESS!"

Emotional interruptions occurred like I've never experienced before. I would begin laughing, but tears of joy interrupted my laughter. I would begin crying and laughter interrupted my tears. I would yell out in joy and quiet whispers interrupted my celebration. I would begin whispering, but shouts of joy interrupted my gentleness.

I am still walking around with my head in the clouds. I am SO excited!!!

Erin and Meagan, it is now officially time to change "the song" to 2 hot Calvinist guys!

***********
I'm playing a show with Jamie Barnes (www.JamieBarnes.net) THIS Saturday night at Sunergos Coffee from 9-11pm. Cover is $3.

Sunergos Coffee
2122 South Preston St.
Louisville, KY
502-634-1243

Add A Caption (#3)!

2005-07-27T22:50:00.000-04:00

Add A Caption

What in the world?! What is this guy saying about that...thing...behind him?

Shark Infested Waters

2005-07-25T00:10:00.000-04:00

Shark Infested Waters

I just got back from Captiva Island where I saw sharks for the first time (outside of a zoo). We were walking along the shoreline at dusk when these shark fins appeared about 7 feet away from us. I was like "WOAH! AUGH! LOOK!" and we all freaked out and leaped out of the water. Yes, you read that right. We were only about ankle deep in the water when the sharks were about 7 feet away from us. The beach had a huge drop-off about 7 feet into from the shoreline where sharks and manta rays would feed. It was seriously SO crazy scary!

A Manta Ray and a Diver (not me)

It was my first time ever to see manta rays. We went out on a boat one day and stopped on top of this HUGE school of manta rays. There were hundreds and hundreds of them just under the surface of the water. It was really strange because they were evenly spaced. I thought there were coral reefs or something at first, but upon further examination, I was like "Ohmylanta! Those are manta rays!"

A Tan Me, Stephanie, Kristin, and Casey

I also got a tan which is good because nobody ever believes me that I'm half Mexican.

You Say I Only Hear What I Want To

2005-07-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

At the frail age of 24, I am considered to be an "older person" by some. Who knew?!

I had the privilege of playing in New Albany with Jaime Barnes last weekend. The audience was spectacular. The highlight of the show occurred in the middle of the set when I covered "Stay" by Lisa Loeb. I started to introduce the song and assumed that everyone knew both Lisa Loeb and the song. It was THE big hit for the small town of Big Spring, TX, so surely these people would be able to sing every line with me. As soon as most people hear me sing "you say," they join in with "I only hear what I want to."

But there was a problem with this theory. The audience was made up of 90% high school students. They stared blankly at me as I spoke about this big hit. I asked that everyone who had heard of Lisa Loeb raise their hands. Not one hand went up. Not a single one! I was dumbfounded. They all looked at me like I was ancient for assuming that they knew who she was (and still is)!

So, maybe I'm getting old. I AM officially in my mid-twenties.

Plus, maybe I'm old for laughing at this, but Mr. T dancing makes me smile. The eighties make me smile. People born in the eighties make me smile. Take a trip down memory lane (if you even know who Mr. T is!) with this Mr. T video!

1981 was a good year. I raise my glass (of sweet tea) to everyone born in the early eighties and everyone who knows who Lisa Loeb is. "You say...I only hear what I want to."

*********UPDATE***********
Friday, July 15
Maybe I am getting old. I find myself comparing the kids I babysit to different tv/movie characters from back in the day. Just today I called one little girl "Punky Brewster" and compared one little boy to "Veruca Salt!"

Is It Just Me?

2005-07-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or does Dr. Nettles look like Bob Dylan?

dylan/nettles

My gorgeous boyfriend took me to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson in Nashville a couple of weeks ago. I ended up in the front row. As I gazed up at Dylan, he smiled a huge smile and I thought "wait a second...that looks like Dr. Nettles' smile." I started to look more intently at Dylan's facial features. Lo and behold, he has the same facial structure as Dr. Nettles! Not only that, but he also has has the same eye shape as Nettles! I

started to laugh at myself, but the similarities are undeniable!

So, is it just me, or does Dr. Nettles look like Bob Dylan?

The Boldness of an Anonymous Commenter

2005-07-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

Wow-great responses on the modesty post. There is one comment, however, that blows my mind. A student at Southern (an anonymous student, mind you) has boldly (while hiding behind an anonymous name) repremanded me for caring about modesty among Christian women. Here's the comment our anonymous friend made:

All I have to say is this: GET REAL!!!! We do not live in a bubble just
because we are Christians and Seminary students! Do any of you actually
believe
that these guys really want girls to cover up??? Come on. You
people
are a joke.
Being here at SBTS I have come to realize one thing:
The people
who are "of the
world" are much more honest, real, and caring
than anyone I
have met here. It's
up to each person what they wear or
what they don't
wear, I don't really care.
Quit being Pharisees; share
Christ with people
instead of sharing our
Puritanical Baptist ideals.

So, "anonymous," all I have to say is this: YES!! I really do believe that guys at SBTS want girls to cover up! If a man is fighting to stay pure, he should want girls to cover up! Let's get this straight, though. In marriage, his wife can wear whatever she wants. I would even encourage married women to dress immodestly (in the privacy of their home) for her husband. A bride's body should be celebrated by her husband.

It is probably true that in his flesh, any guy would want a girl to prance around wearing next to nothing. However, for those who live in the Spirit, there is conviction. There is an honest desire to please the Living God who is both loving and just. This applies to the things that they look at, think about, act on, etc.

I want to create awareness for females. Believe me-I was once the worst of the immodest girls. I didn't have a clue about how the male mind works. I knew that if I wore certain things, I got attention and it made me feel good about me. That's as far as I understood my immodesty to go. The Lord opened my eyes to understand the reality of disgusting sexual sin and lust that is often caused because females love to show off their bodies with tiny skirts, low-cut shirts, and other revealing styles that are popular in Western culture. I am not saying that in order to dress modestly one must dress in an unattractive manner. Rather, I am strongly suggesting that if one wants to be fashionable, there are flattering styles available that are also modest.

"Anonymous"-GET REAL! Lust is a very real sin. Sexual sin runs wild in our culture. As Christians, why should we be involved in it ourselves, and also tempt others to fall into the same gross sin? Please, take John Ross up on his offer. Have lunch with him.

I appreciate (although the anonymity loses much of my appreciation) your desire to share Christ with people. I also desire to do this. However, if a girl's cleavage is hanging out of her shirt while she points to the Scriptures, she can create a major distraction from the message of the gospel. Does the Lord still use girls who dress immodestly to further his Kingdom? Yes, I believe He does. Doesn't He use sinners to accomplish His purposes every day? Yes, of course He does. However, He does so despite our sinful natures.

Other readers-what do you think about this? I would especially like to hear from other SBTS students. Does modesty really matter? Will a Christian be held accountable for the clothing that she chooses to wear? Do SBTS guys actually want SBTS girls to dress modestly?

Put Some Clothes On!!

2005-06-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

Why do we gotta show everything we got
In the teeny, weeny bikini we just bought?
We love to shake it all about.
All the while letting our shiny heinies hang out.

(Chorus): So, your body is a wonderland?
Well, save that mystery for your husband.
Why mud pies when you can play in the sand
On a big and bright happy island?

It's getting hot in here (Like the song)
Someone turn on the AC before someone starts stripping like Britney Spears.
Back that thang right back into the closet.
That thread of a shirt, why don't you just toss it?

This is "The Modesty Song" that I wrote a few years ago. I know that the songs I used are outdated, but the message is still the same: I just want girls to put some clothes on! Is that too much to ask, really? Brittany Nye has written a great post about this topic. It's worthy of a link.
Put Some Clothes On!!

Also, I recommend that all females read a book written by Fred Stoeker and Steve Arterburn called "Every Man's Battle." I have a copy if anyone would like to borrow it. I don't think that females will understand the importance of modesty until they read that book or attempt to understand the issue in a similar way.

Ladies, let's put some clothes on!

The Strangest Feeling

2005-06-26T01:38:00.000-04:00

So, I nearly fainted the other day. I've never actually fainted, so I don't know how close I was to it. I am a nanny for 2 kids and I took them to the swimming pool for a couple of hours. I was running around outside for the first hour. I laid out by the baby pool for the second hour. When it was time to leave, I took the little girl to the big pool to get her older brother. I started to feel funny, but didn't think much of it. My stomach started hurting and I felt a little disconnected. We got to the big pool and called out for her brother, but he didn't hear me so I started walking around the pool.

Something weird hit me like a brick. Not literally, but you know what I mean. I slid into the nearest chair and tried to look like nothing was happening. Everything got really dim and I was just looking around at everyone (I think my head was bobbing). Some time went by (although I'm not sure how long exactly) and all I could think about was water. My mouth was soooo dry and I felt really dizzy. I mustered up enough energy to walk over to the beach bag that contained my bottle of water. The kids' aunt saw me and told me sit down. I think I told her that I felt funny. She was like "put your head between your knees!" Another lady dunked her beach towel in the pool and put it around my neck. I'm not sure, but I think just about every single person at the pool was looking at me. Someone tried to hand me water, but it was hard to grab because my arm was tingling from my elbow to my pinky finger.

I didn't pass out.

It was just the strangest feeling. I sat there for maybe 10 minutes and then I was fine. I had a headache until I went to bed that night, but I felt fine. It was really weird. Maybe I was just dehydrated. I don't know, but I think I nearly passed out.

Standards

2005-06-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

To what standards should Christian recording artists be held? I ask this because recently I was disappointed after meeting a very popular Christian musician. I kept thinking about the standards to which Christian speakers, preachers, and church leaders are held. If a pastor is involved in a controversial issue (not necessarily sin), talk begins immediately. I believe that this is a very good thing. However, should musicians not be held to the same standard?

These musicians are writing the songs that we are singing in our churches and homes. Many of them do not write their own music, but because they sing them, their faces are attached to the words. If you drive down Music Row in Nashville or walk into a Lifeway store, you will see tons of faces represented in the Christian music industry. Most people who purchase this music trust that the artists are leading holy lives worthy of the words they are singing. This is true in some cases, but in others it is not.

On a side note, I think it would be fitting for contemporary praise music to be written by Christians who are theologically trained (either in seminaries or through the theologically solid local church).

I am not basing this on my latest encounter, but a series of encounters over the last few years. I wonder about the home churches of these artists. Where is the accountability? Are the artists traveling too much to involved in a local body that will call out sin in their lives? The sin issues that I have seen are not hidden. These artists are very open about their lifestyles, but somehow, the industry continues to successfully promote not only the music, but the artists themselves.

So, the question is really this: Should Christian musicians be held to a HIGHER standard along with preachers and teachers? I believe that they should.

I know that a plethora of Christian musicians are involved in the local church and lead lives worthy of being watched. I am not making a blanket accusation. I am simply wanting to bring conversation involving standards for Christians who are teaching through their music. I am also not talking about controversial issues alone, but rather specific sin issues that the artists do not feel convicted about. This will continue to be a problem until the Lord brings conviction upon the Christian music industry. In the mean time, please do research before supporting musicians.

Best Dog?

2005-06-12T02:14:00.000-04:00

Dogs Are Cool.

Burritos and Folk Music

2005-06-02T01:16:00.000-04:00

Come Out This Friday Night!

What?! Burritos and folk music TOTALLY go together!

Seriously?

2005-05-29T23:38:00.000-04:00

Are these people serious? Some of this stuff is amusing, but who would actually purchase these things? Check out these products/gifts:

1. Scrolling Belt Buckles
2. People Puppets
3. Bionic Dolphin
4. Nuclear Bomb Shelters
5. Man Eating Shark Costume (this one is actually pretty funny)

And my personal favorite:
Buy an acre of the moon!

Don't worry. I won't just leave you with the random products/gifts. Here are some really funny links that you should add to your favorites.

This video seriously cracks me up:
An emotionally confused baby

This is a pretty good prank:
Chinese Food Prank

Best Birthday Gift Ever!

2005-05-16T02:27:00.000-04:00

For my 24th birthday, I decided to buy myself a ticket to see Patty Griffin's concert. I met my little brother in Nashville Saturday night and we headed over to the Ryman Auditorium. At first, this was my view:

My View

Once again, being short was the thorn in my side. We did a couple of seat shifts and finally I could see Patty in between people's heads. It was SUCH a great concert. Patty sang better than ever-her CD recordings were even put to shame! She was having so much fun on stage-music is so much more than a job for her.

So, after the show, Billy (my little bro) said "if you want to meet Patty, just wait outside until she comes out." Such a simple idea, but I had never thought about it before. So, we waited until she came out and then took pictures with her!!

Me and Patty Griffin

So, I got to meet my musical hero and have my picture taken with her!! It was the perfect birthday gift!! I could have said a million things to her, but there was a line of people waiting and I know she was tired. I just introduced myself and asked if she would take a picture with me. She smiled and said "sure!" Then Billy threw the camera over to me and jumped by Patty's side. He thinks she's hot.

Billy and Patty Griffin

She has incredible stage presence. She dances around and sings the some really bold notes and melodies. However, she was very meek and quiet in person. Her voice was super sweet and quiet. I love that music brings out a different side of her.

I'm going to share the gospel with Patty Griffin someday. Seriously-she reveals so much of herself in her songs. She can tell a story in 3 1/2 minutes that will have your heart aching and your mind pondering the story for days. I want to sit down with Patty and hear her life story. One interviewer describes her voice as "heart breaking" and her music as conveying an "overwhelming sense of longing."

Listen to this interview with Patty: Interview with Patty Griffin (Just click on the button at the beginning of the story that says "Listen")

Some of my favorite Patty songs are Long Ride Home, Useless Desires, Forgiveness, and Tony. All of these songs are gut wrenching, but tell stories that will stick with you for days. I love Patty's songwriting. She is an amazing singer, but it's her songwriting that makes her stand out among the other artists.

Thanks to everyone who came to my birthday party. This birthday was spectacular, but my favorite part of it all is that I got to meet Patty Griffin!

Small Problems

2005-05-08T00:50:00.000-04:00

Small, but Fiesty

Being small has its good points, but there are so many things that small people have to think about that others don't. For example, we have to think about seating arrangements. When I went to the Grand Ole Opry, this lady sat in front of me...wearing a COWBOY HAT! I was sitting on my feet and trying to see over her the entire time.

It never fails (at church and school specifically) that a really tall guy finds the seat directly in front of me. I was sitting in the last Ethics lecture of the semester and this tall guy was in front of me. I found a way to sit so that I could see around him, but then he would lean his head to the right. So, I'd shift to the left. Then he'd go back to the left, so I would have to go to the right. It happened so many times that it was embarrassing.

Then there's the problem of doors with high windows. People apparently can't see me on the other side of the door, so they race through the door and I get smashed. I wear heels pretty often in order to make myself 5'3. I fell down the stairs at my apartment complex the other day-with huge heels on. It hurt. Kroger...oh, Kroger. They keep some of my favorite food items on the top shelf. I started to think I was on some lame hidden camera show the other day. I was trying to get Triscuits off of the top row and all of these people kept walking by, but nobody was tall enough to help me! My body was seriously stretched as far as I could stretch it and I still couldn't reach the Triscuits.

Airbags have a warning on them that say something like "Death may be caused to small children and women under 5'0 tall." Hello! Scary!! What about me? I'm 5'0 and 1/2 inch. So what am I supposed to do?

Ah, yes. Jones Soda affects me more than the average person. I drank a strawberry lime Jones the other night about 1:30. I was wide awake at 4:15! Basically I just got through the most stressful week of finals with Jones Soda. And by the way, I just had my 24th birthday and I could easily pass for 15.

I wonder if tall people complain about being tall. And what about "average sized" people? Do you people even have problems in life? Being small is great and all, but there seem to be an extra load of things to consider.

Add A Caption (#2)!

2005-04-25T22:39:00.000-04:00

Add A Caption (#2)

Uh...add a caption!

The Totally Awesome Eighties

2005-04-18T23:15:00.000-04:00

I was Donnie's #1 Fan!

Has anyone heard of "The 80's Game?" A bunch of us gathered for Jeremy Hatfield's birthday party and ended up playing "The 80's Game." Well, okay. I begged everyone to play it. I thought I was the 80's Queen until we played the game. I didn't know the answers to anything that happened before 1986.

Here are my memories from the 80's:
1. Inviting New Kids on the Block to my birthday party.
2. Milli Vanilli wasn't actually Milli Vanilli (Who cares, though? Just blame it on the rain).
3. Looping the side of my shirts through those plastic things.
4. Crimping my hair.
5. Keds.
6. Watching Howard the Duck over and over.
7. Putting my hair in a side pony tail while listening to Janet Jackson's "Escapade."
8. Having a little pink boombox.
9. Making up a dance to Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name."
10. Reading The BabySitter's Club series and wanting to be Stacy.
11. Watching Saved By the Bell and wanting to date Zach Morris.
12. Watching Alf, Perfect Strangers, My Two Dads, Pee Wee Herman, and Punky Brewster.
13. Slap bracelets.
14. Wearing Jellies shoes.
15. Wearing long, tapered denim shorts and rolling them up on the ends in the smallest rolls possible.
16. Jams (the shorts)

Sleep DeprAvation

2005-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

sleep deprAvation

So...I just slept for FOURTEEN AND A HALF HOURS! I can't believe it!

My body has been running with lower amounts of energy each day and I've been sleeping fewer hours each night. The night before last I kept taking 20 minute naps (I procrastinated on a paper) and got about 1 1/2 hours of sleep. The night before was 4 hours. Before that I can't remember. I really can't remember the last time I got 6 hours of sleep. Anyway, my body was like "NO MORE!"

I had several missed calls on my phone this morning-I don't remember the phone ringing. My alarm went off after 12 hours and I don't remember that either. Last night I was like "I'm just going to sleep in tomorrow, so I won't set my alarm." I decided to set it for 12 hours later just in case. But it didn't help. FOURTEEN AND A HALF HOURS later, I woke up and felt great. Crazy.

Sleep is good.

Nikki Tatom Action Figure

2005-04-09T23:52:00.000-04:00

Nikki Action Figure

I had a lot of fun playing at Java the last couple of nights. Tonight I played outside on the patio, which rocked! My love for Patty Griffin was apparently seen by all. I kept finding myself saying "If I'm not careful, this will turn into a Patty Griffin cover night."

Afterwards, I was talking to Lawrence and a couple of girls that I just met tonight. They came up with this idea to create a "Nikki Tatom Action Figure." When you push her stomach in, she says "I love Patty Griffin!" in a really high voice. Oh, man! I can see it now! She would have to be SO small! Maybe like Polly Pockets or something. She would have to have a pink guitar strap and be able to do the robot. That would be so awesome! Oh! And she'd have a cowboy hat and break lots of guitar pics.

Speaking of Patty Griffin, I got tickets today for her show in Nashville on May 14. I'm kinda bummed because they are WWAAAAAAYYY in the back. I went ahead and bought them, but not with a smile on my face. I was like "aawwww maaan!" So, I don't know if I'll actually be able to SEE Patty live, but I'll at least be able to hear her live.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Java (especially those of you who came both nights!).

Next show is THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (April 15) from 7:30-10:30 at the new Java on Frankfort (2 doors down from the Irish Rover). There will be a mandolin, so stop by! Check out www.NikkiTatom.com for more details. Also, I'm starting an email list, so if you want to be emailed when the shows are, just send me an email at ntatom@sbcglobal.net .

Spring Break Show

2005-04-05T00:06:00.000-04:00

It's Spring Break...that means that nobody will be checking their mail on campus. It also means that there aren't many people in town. So, that means that I can't promote the show at Java this Friday. This blog is basically my only means of promotion. So...

Come out to the Java in Prospect
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
from 7:30-9:30.

I'll be playing originals and covers. Lorie King will sing with me, but no mandolin this time.

Java is located at 9561B US Hwy. 42
Prospect, KY 40059
(502) 292-2710

Is anyone going to be there with bells on? It's a free show. Please post a comment letting me know that you'll be there. Seriously, what if everyone is out of town and nobody comes? That would be so sad...

Now for a funny story.

A group of people from Sojourn were cleaning up the sidewalks on Bardstown Road a week or two ago. Jenna and I showed up really late (we were helping some friends move), but just in time for something funny to happen. Mike Blakney was trying to pick trash out of a gutter with a long stick. He kept pulling out semi-normal things until something heavy stuck to the stick. (Literally STUCK to the stick) It was...

Huge, dirty underwear! SO GROSS! They were tar-black (but started out white), and all...nasty and stuff. It was terrible. I was informed that they found a fish head in a donut box early that morning.

Bardstown Road...where the fun ends. Java on Prospect this Friday...where the fun begins.

Mice Mice Baby

2005-04-02T00:16:00.000-05:00

Mice Mice Baby

Tonight I was cleaning out my T-shirt drawer and decided to get rid of some really rad shirts. I'm not a big person, so most of the shirts are pretty small. Jake Aldridge and I have this weird clothes-exchange thing, so I immediately thought that I'd give the shirts to Jake. He seems to like really small pink shirts (no, seriously), so I knew he would accept them with enthusiasm.

And he did.

It took about 5 minutes before he was wearing one of the amazingly small shirts that I gave him. Which shirt, you ask? The one that I got as a gift 5 years ago that reads "Mice Mice Baby." Let me just say...the shirt is SMALL. EXTRA SMALL. Jake is a pretty buff guy. His arms were hardly able to squeeze through the child-size arm holes, but he managed to pull the sleeves over his massive muscles. Oh, and his midriff was definitly in full view.

We were over at Valerie's apartment and the conversation went from missions to Texas Hold 'Em. We didn't have chips, so we were just playing for fun. After winning with a "full house," I was pretty confident in my Texas Hold 'Em skills. Jake and I were the only 2 left playing, so we decided to make a bet. Come on, folks. How intimidating can a guy in a "Mice Mice Baby" shirt be? I knew I would win, so I bet that the loser had to wear the "Mice Mice Baby shirt" to the big KYTV/Cultivate Beauty festival at church on Sunday. Jake thought that since the shirt was so small, there would have to be an added penalty for me. He thought pig-tails were the perfect solution.

So, we played. Kristi burned 'em and turned 'em. Jake won. I lost. My confidence was shattered.

Look for me at the snow cone machine Sunday. I'll be the one with pigtails and the "Mice Mice Baby" shirt.

Half Mexican Show At Java

2005-03-29T00:19:00.000-05:00

I'll be playing at the NEW Java on Frankfort THIS THURSDAY from 7:30-9:30 pm. The address is 2309 Frankfort-it's 2 doors down from The Irish Rover. It will be just me (no mandolin or harmony this time), so I'm a bit nervous! I'll be doing originals and covering some 80's-licious tunes, so grab a cup of coffee and sing along.
**************
Also, a few more things are working on www.NikkiTatom.com so check it out! There's still a ton of work to be done, but it's better than a few days ago!
**************
So, today I was mailing some stuff at the post office on campus. One of the janitors is a Hispanic lady and speaks very little English. She was trying to mail something, so she was attempting to communicate with an older Caucasion woman behind the counter. It took me awhile to realize the miscommunication that was occuring, but the voice of the older Caucasion woman finalized the occurance. She called out to me "You look like someone who knows Spanish-can you help us?" I was cracking up! I mean, I am half-Mexican, so she called it, but it was just funny.

I played it off and with the typical "Sure-I can help." Little did she know that I grew up speaking NO Spanish whatsoever (except what my really white dad taught me-that's a whole nother blog, though). I took 2 years in high school and 2 years in college, but haven't retained much of it.

Anyway-I arrogantly walked up to the counter and said to the Hispanic lady "Hola! No hablo mucho Espanol, pero la familia de mi madre es de Mexico!" (Hi! I don't speak very much Spanish, but my mom's family is from Mexico!) I don't have a clue what the said back. It was fast, though. Really fast. I heard something that sounded like passport, so I used that and...I don't know. I didn't really help, but she mailed whatever she was trying to mail and the Caucasion ladies thought I was fluent in Spanish. Oh, the delight of being half Mexican! I can trick old Caucasion ladies in a heart beat!

I walked away with a half white/half Mexican smirk on my face.

American Myths

2005-03-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

After reading Leslie's Blog, I have been thinking about the commercialized version of the Resurrection Day we call Easter. The pagan roots, Christian undertones, and American desire to make a buck have all swirled into the "Easter Holiday."

If I have kids one day, I will not lie to them for the sake of American tradition. I will not convince them that the Easter Bunny exists or that Santa is the reason for the Christmas season. I will explain to them the history of St. Nicholas and how his story evolved into a Western tradition, but I will not have them believe that an old, fat man climbs into the house through the chimney and eats our cookies! That's just weird!

Christmas and Easter are not about getting what you want (toys and candy). Yet, this is exactly what we are teaching generation after generation. Even after knowing that Santa and the Easter Bunny aren't real, people still retain the lesson that has been instilled in them from their parents: these holidays are about getting what you want. A friend of mine and his family celebrate their Christmas season a lot differently than the average American household. They keep with the spirit of giving, but instead of buying gifts for each other, they spend the money on buying useful gifts for needy families in their hometown for the honor of the Lord Jesus. It's a great idea.

I am wondering what the general consensus is about this topic. What will you teach your children (or do you currently teach your children) about these Westernized traditions? What are the logistics of it? How will they interact with children at school who have been taught that these things are true?

Add A Caption

2005-03-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

???

Okay, folks. Let's have a little contest. Who can come up with the best caption for this picture?

Your Birthday Song! Hey!

2005-03-23T18:22:00.000-05:00

Flaming Pink Birthday Cake

Pedro has inspired my roommates and I.

It was around midnight when we snuck to John Patrick's apartment. We spent awhile decorating the flaming pink birthday cake (that Erin baked) with "3 HCG's Love JP." HCG's meaning, of course, Hot Calvinist Girls. We lit 24 candles, set the cake outside the door, knocked on the door, and ran downstairs middle-school style.

We were ready to run back up to the door taking pictures and singing the infamous "This is your birthday song. It doesn't last too long. HEY!" as soon as JP answered the door.

We waited. And we waited. John Patrick never answered the door. So, as the candles melted into the flaming pink icing, I ran upstairs and knocked again, this time with much more force and endurance. I ran downstairs and heard the door open. Alas! The flaming pink birthday cake (already lit) would be enjoyed by the birthday boy himself! We waited to hear his initial response before running up with our cameras. But all we heard was the door slam shut.

What in the world?! This was his birthday song! It wouldn't last too long! HEY!

We were confused. We went back upstairs, knocked on the door and just stood there. John Patrick's roommate opened the door and blankly stared at us like we had she-mullets or something.

Finally, John Patrick came out of the bathroom (in his pj's) and let us sing "This is your birthday song! It doesn't last too long! HEY!" Good thing, too, because a birthday isn't complete without a flaming pink cake and 3 HCG's singing you a song.

I have not been permitted to reveal the exact date of this occurance, but John Patrick's birthday has come upon us in recent days. He has attempted to keep it a secret for some time now, but through extensive reseach, the Texas Girls have uncovered the mystery. So, JP...

This is your birthday song! It doesn't last too long! HEY!

Bluegrass/Blues?

2005-03-21T02:25:00.000-05:00

Photo by Cheryl Rupp

Thanks to everyone for your support at The Narrow Path show on Friday. I had a blast! Steve Moore joined me with his mandolin, guitar, and vocals. Lorie King provided harmony vocals on several songs and Chad Lewis added harmonica on a Bob Dylan cover. WOW! I seriously had so much fun!

To see a review of the show, go to Jive To The Monkey

I'll be playing at the new Java Brewing Co. (www.javabrewingco.com) on Frankfort Thursday, March 31 from 7:30-9:30pm. It's a free show, so please come out and support me. I take requests!

When people ask what my music is classified as, I never know what to say. After the show on Friday, I think I heard people classify it as "Bluegrass/Blues." Is that possible, seriously? Bluegrass/Blues? Those don't go together at all. But I guess it makes me unique.

Thanks again for coming out. I would love to see everyone at the new Java on Frankfort on March 31!

Be There With Bells On

2005-03-15T01:13:00.000-05:00

Press Release

Lawrence created this rad press release for the concert on Friday. I will be opening for Chad Lewis (www.ChadLewis.net) THIS FRIDAY at The Narrow Path. Show starts at 7:00, so get there early! There's no cover and it will end around 9:00. You really have no excuse NOT to go.

I'll be covering Bob Dylan, Patty Griffin, The Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, and Sandra McCracken and doing some originals too. Chad does all originals and his songs are excellent.

Also, check out www.nikkitatom.com! Well, there's only a picture on there now, but it will soon be a wealth of information and fun.

The Narrow Path
1829 Bardstown Road
502 459-4001

This Friday, March 18. 7:00pm (on the dot) until around 9:00pm.
No Cover.
Parking behind The Narrow Path or curbside.

Be there with bells on.

**********************************

Oh, and if you want something to read, scroll down to the post "A Little Problem." It's the poor middle post between Bert's question and Bert's poll. Poor post. Ya'll read it. Alex Forrest has a hilarious comment on it.

Not For Ruby

2005-03-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

"Three weeks ago we got word at our church that Ruby Eliason and Laura Edwards had both been killed in Cameroon. Ruby was over 80. Single all her life, a nurse; she poured her life out for one thing: To make Jesus Christ known among the sick, and the poor in the hardest and most unreached places. Laura was a widow, a medical doctor, pushing 80 years old, and serving at Ruby's side in Cameroon. The brakes give way, over a cliff they go, and they’re dead - instantly. And I asked my people: is this a tragedy? Two women in their 80’s, a whole life devoted to one idea, and twenty years after most of their American counterparts had begun to throw their lives away on trivialities in Florida and New Mexico… is this a tragedy, I asked? It is not a tragedy.
I’ll read you what a tragedy is. I’ve got a little article from readers digest. This is a tragedy. Title of the article, “Start now, retire early.” "Bob and Penny took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30 foot trawler, play softball and collect shells." THAT’S a tragedy. And there are people in this country that are spending billions of dollars to get you to buy it. And I get 40 minutes to plead with you, DON’T BUY THAT DREAM. The American Dream: a nice house, a nice car, a nice job, a nice family, a nice retirement, COLLECTING SHELLS…. as the last chapter before you stand before the Creator of universe to give an account with what you did. Here it is Lord! My shell collection! Look Lord, my shell collection! And I’ve got a good swing! And look at my boat, God…. .look at my boat. Well, not for Ruby."

This is a quote from John Piper's sermon at One Day, 2000 in Memphis. I wasn't at One Day, but I heard the sermon. Ruby became my hero after hearing it. "Not For Ruby" has become a life quote for me. Give in to the American Dream? Not For Ruby.

Dr. Magnuson is my Ethics teacher here at Southern. He started to tell a story about his Great Aunt Ruby. The more he told of the story, the more I became convinced that my hero, Ruby, was the same Ruby that he was talking about. So, I raised my hand and asked. Sure enough, it's the same Ruby.

I talked to Dr. Magnuson after class and told him that I love Ruby. Her story has given me a new perspective on life. I asked if I could sit and talk with him and his family about Ruby. I want to know more about her life, her philosophy, her theology. I want to know this hero on a personal level. Dr. Magnuson agreed to let me in on his Great Aunt Ruby's life.

I am SO EXCITED about this! A woman in her eighties who gave her entire life to the Lord and was a single missionary to the unreached people of this crazy world. Eighty years old and still going overseas!!

The American Dream has been seared into our minds. It has stolen our knowledge that true satisfaction is not found on earth. It has dangled a ploy before our eyes and we have greedily snatched up the illusion. This "dream" claims to be the treasure of life. So, was it a tragedy for a frail old woman to give her life to the Lord in missions? Was it a tragedy that she never married? Never retired on the beaches of Florida? Never experienced the American Dream?

Not For Ruby.

Class President

2005-03-07T21:55:00.001-05:00

Who Would You Vote To Be Your Class President?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

Random Questions

2005-03-04T00:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a list of random questions that I've been contemplating for quite some time now. Enlighten me with answers.

1. Why do we have two small nostrils and not one big nose hole?
2. How come everyone can't roll their "r's?"
3. What significance do freckles have?
4. Why do chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets turn your tongue brown?
5. What does the "H" stand for in Preparation H?
6. Why is there braille on drive-up ATM machines?
7. Why don't guys shave their armpits?
8. Why do 3/4 sleeve sweaters exist?
9. How did different accents start in different parts of the country?
10. Why is the word "chunky" so nasty sounding?
11. Why does cilatro taste like that?
12. How does Britney Spears get away with wearing a t-shirt that says "I am the American Dream?"
13. Why do we consider ties to be decorative clothing? It's just a long piece of cloth (or silk) tied around your neck.
14. Why do mullets still exist?
15. Why do people say they'll be somewhere "with bells on?"
16. Why do hiccups sound so weird?
17. Why do people drink decaf coffee? Is it really for the taste?
18. Why doesn't gum dissolve?
19. Why are most Pop "Tarts" sweet?
20. Why do we have ear lobes?
21. Why can't I stand when people say "I sliced my flesh?"
22. Is there another word for "synonym?"
23. Can chickens actually run around with their heads cut off?
24. Isn't it hilarious when a "psychic" goes bankrupt?
25. What exactly is the "The Sign" that Ace of Base sang about?

Quite a Scene

2005-02-27T00:56:00.000-05:00

So, I caused quite a scene this evening. A terrible scene, actually. A scene that involved 3 police cars, an ambulance, a fire truck, and a whole slew of witnesses.

I was on Cherokee Parkway turning left onto Bardstown Road. This big ole bus was coming from my left and I thought "okay, after this bus passes, I'm good to turn." Well, the bus pulled over to my immediate left to pick some people up, so I (thinking it was clear) turned left. Mid-turn I saw a motorcyclist coming straight towards me. It was so fast, but so slow at the same time. I hit the motorcycle SO hard. It stayed in front of/underneath my car, but the driver flew/slid behind my back tires somehow. It was seriously the scariest thing I've ever experienced.

I'll spare you the details, but let's just say that the Lord is so incredibly gracious. The guy was wearing a helmet and motorcyle safety jacket and didn't even get a scratch. The motorcycle, however, was totaled. One of the officers said that she couldn't believe that the guy wasn't hurt really badly.

I was (am) really shaken up. I was 100% more scared than the guy on the motorcyle. There was one point (when I called to tell my dad) when he was comforting me! Because this was my first real wreck, I have really freaked out since it happened.

I'm reminded of the fraility of life. I mean, it's something that we all know: just about anything can happen at any given moment. You can blink and your entire life can change or even end. It's something that I know in my mind, but it has now dropped down into my heart. What really matters in life? It is not cars, money, fame, or academics. No, these things are merely temporary. Jesus is eternal. Jesus is the treasure. Jesus is what really matters.

So, please consider what I am saying. These temporary things (yes, even blogs) have no significance if they dishonor Jesus.

A homeless man witnessed the accident. He came up to the motorcyclist and said "God must have been with you because that was really bad." It's true. Praise the Lord that He shed his grace on us this evening.

Interesting...

2005-02-26T02:49:00.000-05:00

This is an interesting link: Intesting Link

The Vomit Trash Slide

2005-02-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

So, about Steve's comment under the mullet entry...

When I was a senior at the University of Houston, I was involved with the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry). We were raising money for missions and the guys and girls challenged each other with who could raise the most money. The loser had to go through a little obstacle course that ended with a nasty trash slide.

Everyone was at the BSM the day that the winner was announced. 5 guy reps and 5 girl reps stood at the front on stage. We waiting with intensity to see who would fall victim to the trash slide. Who would have to suffer the horrible consequences of losing and who would get to point and laugh?

THE GIRLS WON!! Sweet, sweet victory! Josh (a UH football player) decided that my mocking and loud "YYEEESSSS!!" was worthy of the trashslide even though we won. Before I knew what was going on, he picked me up and pushed me through the trash slide. It was SOOO disgusting (and SOOO unjust)! Seriously, it smelled like vomit. The trashslide was made out of whatever people brought plus we cleaned out the BSM fridge and smothered that stuff on there. There was a huge tub of pancake syrup, pickle juice, rotten milk, and (the grand finale) STEVE'S BEARD HAIR! Yeah! He grew out his beard until the BSM reached their fundraising goal...it was SO long! We had a big "Steve Beard Shaving Day," saved the hair, and put it on the trashslide. Sick!

So, here's a link to the pictures. TRASH SLIDE Enjoy! I recommend that you watch it as a slideshow. Pay special attention to the people in the background of the beginning shots-that's the best part!

Seat Pops, Mullets, and a Rubberband

2005-02-19T01:27:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for a new topic.

Dream Mullet

So, today Nick, Chad and I went to the mad house known as the County Clerk's Office. I have spent a considerable amount of time there since I first journeyed into Kentucky, so I was prepared for the mullet madness. Nick and Chad, however, were not.

We walked in, took a number, and had a seat. Now, you have to be very stategic about choosing a seat at this place. It is always packed out and if you're not careful, you'll end up in a seat that can't be seen by the employees.

Here's the thing about the County Clerk's Office. You have to be ready as soon as they call your number. If you're not, you have to take a new number and start all over. It's like speed bingo or something. If they don't see anyone stand up the moment after saying a number, they will move on to the next. It's like "22...23.......24..25" You have basically pop out of your seat. Chad compares it to running out of blocks at a track meet.

The scene at this place is just hilarious. Some people are grumpy because they didn't pop out of their seats fast enough while others have no clue what is going on. Mullets are typical. Oh, and there are motivational posters lining the walls. You know the kind. They have a picture of a bear or a rainbow and say things like "Success" and "Dream."

So, what did we have for entertainment during our 1.5 hour wait? One rubberband. I kept pulling the rubberband really tight over a license plate and strumming it like a guitar. Then the guys started harmonizing with the rubberband. Then it broke.

There's no real significance to this post. I just wanted to talk about something new.

A Little Problem

2005-02-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

Now THAT'S What I Call A "Do-Rag"

We're about to become really close friends. I'm about to share something with you that only my best friends from high school know about me. But first, I must preface it with this: I've been recording a demo at Staff House Records the last couple of days. I've recorded some stuff before, and there's always been a problem. The problem is currently occuring at Staff House too.

Problem: My head is seriously SOOO small! I mean, the brain inside is monsterous, but my skull is the size of a small child's skull. In fact, I think that the child-sized rat from the other day has a bigger head than I do. So, adult headphones never fit on my head. Never. I always have to come up with something to make them fit. So, the guy recording the demo fit a bandana on top of my head. He thought it was funny, so he took this picture and emailed it to me.

Now, I'm sure that all musicians have some sort of strange thing they have to do when recording. Mine just happens to be extremely visible. Can I help the size of head that I got? No. And besides, wouldn't a gigantic head on a small body look weird? I'm thankful for my small head. In fact, the problem isn't even my head. The problem is that adult headphones are far too big. They are made for people like...Yao Ming. (I DO play ball like Yao, but come on!)

John Patrick Saves the Day!

2005-02-13T23:58:00.000-05:00

Ready for the child-sized thing

I was in the kitchen burning broccoli tonight when Kristin ran out of the office screaming "SOMETHING IS IN THERE!" I was like "AUGH! What is it? A robber? A murderer? WHAT?" Well, it wasn't a robber. It wasn't a murderer. Worse. It was...a HUGE RAT! Seriously, it was at least 6 feet long! And that doesn't include the tail. Boy-we were up on the counter top in no time.

I grabbed the phone and called none other than John Patrick (Big Bad John). I was like "Come over right now! We have an emergency situation on our hands! It's a huuuuge rat!" He started laughing at us. For a second, I thought I was going to have to put our friendship on the line. But, through tears of laughter, he agreed to come over.

He chased the monster around the office and the living room, but the rat was too fast. Seriously, it was the size of a small child.

John Patrick finally caught the small child-sized thing and had to hold it with both hands-it was soooo huge! He took it outside and...got rid of it for us. I don't want to say what he did to the poor thing, but let's just say...he got rid of it for us.

John Patrick has once again saved the day.

The Secret Weapon

2005-02-10T23:26:00.000-05:00

It was approximately one hour before our first intramural basketball game. For some reason, I kept knocking things down. First, I knocked over the stack of pictures by my desk. Next, I tried to throw my Chicken Voila package in the trashcan and knocked over the trash. This was not a good sign.

I arrived at our basketball game about five minutes early. I walked in and my team was standing by the door. My teammates were holding their breath in anticipation. They let out a huge sigh of relief when they saw me.

"Nikki! We thought you'd never get here! After all, you are The Secret Weapon," said Chris Lawrence, the team captain.

We won the game. Oh, sweet victory! We won the game!

Now, let's put aside the fact that my name is last on the team roster. (I think that after they pick teams, they reverse the roster so the last people picked don't feel bad). Let's put aside the fact that I am only 5'0 tall. My fiesty-ness makes up the height issue. And finally, let's put aside the fact that we were playing against Josh's team. Josh is monster of a guy. He created the highlight of the entire game.

We were on defense and I was guarding my guy sooooo close. I was right there with him and he couldn't get around me. So, what did the opposing team do? They set up a screen. Josh screened me. Josh is about 5 times bigger than me. I heard the crowd gasp in unison. That's when I realized that I was flying through the air. I hit Josh's screen SO hard that I went flying. My entire body was off of the ground. I landed on my side and stared blankly toward the crowd. I was stunned.

I was a little embarrassed, so I hopped right up, said a little something to Josh, and kept playing my hardest. It kinda hurt, though. I mean, not THAT bad. Shoot. I'm tough. I'm 5'0 of pure meat. I'm The Secret Weapon.

Anyway-we won. Our next game is Monday at 8:30. Come watch The Secret Weapon in action.

Which Song Are You Most Likely to Bust Out in at Any Given Moment?

2005-02-07T01:50:00.000-05:00

The Pity Clap

2005-01-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today I had the privilege of leading music with Jason Dees at his church in Indiana. (By the way, I call Jason "Chinese Jason Dees." If you're wondering why, just ask him about "House and Tiger! House and Tiger!"). We had a great time, but there were some confusing parts. For example, while the kids were lighting the candles, he motioned for me to play something. I didn't have anything prepared, so I picked up my guitar and started playing the first thing that came into my mind. It was Patty Griffin's "Moses."

When the horror of "special music" came, I was in for a major bump in the road. It was just me and my guitar. I started playing "Come Thou Fount" in the key of "G" like normal. When it was time to start singing, I tried to find my first note and ended up singing all over the place(microphone on). I sounded like a hyena or something. I looked at Jason and he just shook his head at me and smiled. That's when I noticed...

I FORGOT TO PUT MY CAPO ON MY GUITAR! (dun, dun, duuuuuunn!)

Oh, the horror! I was in a key 5 half-steps lower than I normally sing the song in. So, I just played like nothing happened and started singing like a man. I'm talking LOW. I made it through the first verse and wanted to die. It was terrible. So, I stopped and said "hope ya'll don't mind...I'm just gonna put this capo on my guitar."

I put the capo and made it through the song. It was horrible. That's when I received the pity clap.

There were like 5 old people clapping really slow while everyone else just kinda looked around. Honestly, that was more than I deserved. They were so sweet to encourage me with applause, but I was so embarrassed that I wanted to run off stage and peel out of the parking lot, never to return. But after the service, an old man came up and told me that I should leave my PA System up and come back next week. So sweet.

Thanks, sir, but I think I'll take my pity clap and stay home.

Just Say No

2005-01-29T01:08:00.000-05:00

Erin, Nikki, Kristin: Just Say No Professionals

Why is so hard to just say "no?" Seriously, what is the deal? Once upon a time I had a "just say no" role model. The role model has recently let me down.

I'm not talking about drugs here. I'm talking about when a guy that you aren't interested in asks you out. For some reason, as my mind is screaming "NOOOOO!" the word "okay" comes out of my mouth. I don't want to hurt the guy's feelings. I don't want him to feel weird. Learning to say "no" has been a big deal for me since I moved to Kentucky.

My role model was Gerty*. She is my friend, my confidant, my role model. She had become my coach on this subject. There were several times when she was by my side mouthing the word "no" while I studdered through turning a guy down. But, it worked. I am now a pretty good nay-sayer. In fact, both of my roommates have become very good at just saying no as well. We are the three "Just Say No-ers." We are three honest women. We are three "not leading anyone on" women. We are three single women. (Go figure)

I recently discovered that my role model very rapidly stumbled down the "okay" hill. Not long ago, she was asked out by a guy who she is not interested in at all. And what did she say? "Um...okay" So, Gerty's* place as my role model has been diminished. Now, it seems that I am the role model here. She coached me to this status and now, the student has surpassed the teacher.

Gerty*, next time, just say no.

*name changed for security reasons

On a serious note...

2005-01-26T20:53:00.000-05:00

An amazing photo taken by Alex O'Nan (www.camerapocket.net)

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is on earth? I think about this quite a bit. I mean, I just think "God, why did you create me? Why me? The world would go on without me." Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I were born in a third world country. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I were born with red hair. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I were born with just one big nostril instead of two.

Anyway, at the risk of sounding "over spiritual," this is how I see my purpose on earth. I picture an extremely chaotic scene. Some people are laughing out loud. Some are weeping with all their might. Some are yelling "look at me!" Some are quietly watching the scene while others are absorbed in each other. This is how I see the world. This is the overall scene of humans regardless of culture, time, or place.

All the while, God Almighty is seated on His throne. Jesus is by his father's side ready to return to the earth and His Spirit is interacting with the world. The scene is so wild that people do not see beyond thier own selves, comforts, or experiences. I am in the mix of the the chaos amazed with the beauty of the Spirit and the glory of God. I watch as the Spirit makes himself known to some of the people. Those people become engrossed with God.

I keep pointing to God on his throne, Jesus ready to return to the earth, and the Spirit interacting with the people. I keep saying "look at Him! He is beautiful! He is in control! Jesus is coming back!" I run around to people and try to get them to look at these incredible things. I believe that this is my purpose on earth. It sounds "wacko religious" I know, but it's a cool picture.

It's so easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and not think about eternal things. But I want to remember that my purpose on earth is not to accumulate "stuff" or become famous, but rather to point to His fame.

I love this website called Desiring God (www.DesiringGod.org). You can type in any topic and it will pull up articles and messages on whatever topic you choose.

Does anyone else think about this stuff or am I the only wacko religious person out there?

"Crush-Struck" vs "Star-Struck"

2005-01-22T16:51:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to recieve my first comment on my blog until I realized what it said. A big "Thank You" goes out to Becca!! Thanks, Becca, for telling the world (I know there are SO many people reading this) about my encounter with Shane Barnard. Now, at the risk of embarrassing Becca, I must tell the account of my encounter with Shane Barnard.

It was a cool, breezy night in College Station, TX and a ton of bands were playing. My crush, Shane Barnard, was the last show (I think...at least in my mind the show was over when he finished playing). We ran into him and I made a complete idiot out of myself. This, my friends, was me being "crush-struck," not "star-struck." There is a huge distinction.

I've been a fan of Shane since long before he was signed. I've never been a "fan"atic, and in fact I only have a couple of his CDs. It's not a fan crush. One of my best friends dated his brother and an old friend of mine is buddies with him. Thus, we come to the conclusion that Nikki was crush-struck.

So, how did I make an idiot out of myself? It's easy. My friend Erin Woods was standing next to me. I was like "Hey Shane...my friend here works at Sweet Eugene's Coffee Shop and she can get you a sweet deal! You should come hang out with us later tonight!" The problem is that while saying this, I ever-so-gently placed my hand on Erin's forehead. Yeah. I didn't even realize that I was doing it. And to make matters worse, I LEFT my hand on her forehead for the remainder of the conversation which was a good 2-3 minutes. IDIOT! Shane was so nice. He put his hand on my shoulder and said "thank you for inviting me." Picture this with me. It's a nice little triangle of weirdness. Shane's hand is on my shoulder. My hand is on Erin's forehead. Erin, Becca, and Blake were all in the circle, but laughing hysterically because I just left my hand on Erin's forehead.

Needless to say, Shane didn't come to Sweet Eugene's.

Grand Ole Patty

2005-01-22T01:55:00.000-05:00

Patty Griffin singing with Emmylou Harris dancing (And half of Buddy Miller playing guitar) at the Grand Ole Opry

I am so honored that my first post involves Patty Griffin (www.pattygriffin.net). She's my musical hero! I just got to see her live at the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend. It was SSOOO entertaining! Seriously, if you ever get the chance, you have to check it out. I went with my friend Laura Beth. She's the one who inspired me to create my own blog. Well...that and Becca Conner begging me to create a blog. So, here it is, Becca. My blog for your entertainment!

So, back to Patty Griffin. When she was on stage (with Emmylou Harris, David Rawlins, Buddy Miller, and Gillian Welch), I totally flipped out. I have always been against people flipping out when they see someone famous. I figure that famous people are just people too. That's it. Bottom line...they are just people. Come on, folks! Don't flip out over another person! But...when I saw those 5 musicians on stage, I was like "woah....AUGH!" I started taking pictures and I even ran down to the first row to get a closer look at Patty. Seriously, I am disappointed in myself. I flipped out. After the show, Laura Beth, Heather, and I went to a local pizza place and we saw Donnie (www.theparkstudio.com) (independent artists looking for a producer-Donnie is your man) and I couldn't stop talking about seeing Patty. A huge smile was plastered on my face for a good 2 hours. I looked like an idiot, but I couldn't help it! I was star-struck for the first time in my life.

Which is the Best Dog?
	Beagle
	Saint Bernard
	Boxer
	Bassett Hound
	Siberian Huskie
	Bulldog
	Cocker Spaniel
	Labrador
	Great Pyrenees
	Other

Free polls from Pollhost.com


	Pour Some Sugar On Me Def Leppard
	Chicago Frank Sinatra
	Henry the Eighth Herman's Hermits (Second Verse, Same as the First)
	No Diggity Dr.Dre/Blackstreet
	Like a Rolling Stone Bob Dylan
	Billie Jean Michael Jackson
	Vertigo U2
	Strawberry Fields Forever The Beatles
	I've Just Seen Jesus Larnelle Harris
	Tainted Love Soft Cell

Free polls from Pollhost.com

What is the purpose of kitchen shears?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

How often do you wash your sheets?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

Favorite hairstyle for females


Free polls from Pollhost.com

Favorite hairstyle for males


Free polls from Pollhost.com

What's the best fast-food joint in the US?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

What is your computer preference?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

Do you have a TV in your home/apt/dorm?


Free polls from Pollhost.com

Is it appropriate for men to go into Victoria's Secret?


Free polls from Pollhost.com