Birmingham – Page 2 – Sherri Ross

Category: Birmingham

18
Jan
2013

You Can Do Magic

It’s been a magical day, which was especially welcome after my emotion level last night. I didn’t get much sleep because of it and am beat. Much to tell, not enough energy to write it all right now. More tomorrow, but until then remember….

I never believed in things that I couldn’t see
I said if I can’t feel it then how can it be
No, no magic could happen to me
And then I saw you

I couldn’t believe it, you took my heart
I couldn’t retrieve it, said to myself
What’s it all about
Now I know there can be no doubt

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo …

And when the rain is beatin’ upon the window pane
And when the night it gets so cold, when I can’t sleep
Again you come to me
I hold you tight, the rain disappears
Who would believe it
With a word you dry my tears

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo …

And If I wanted to
I could never be free
I never believed it was true
But now it’s so clear to me

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo …

You’re the one who can put out the fire
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You’re the one who can put out the fire …

You Can Do Magic lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

09
Jan
2013

Weight Lost Wednesday #1

categories: Birmingham, goals, weight

I’ve decided to call these ‘Weight Lost Wednesdays’ because, taking a lead from my goal setting workshop last night at Iron Tribe, I WILL have lost weight every week so NAH! (I have to visualize it to help make it real.) And yes, I’m aware that the new year started on Wednesday, January 2, but I like to be fashionably late. I’m kidding. I didn’t start last week because even though I had decided to lose 100 pounds this year on January 1, I hadn’t formulated a plan or timeline yet (at that time) so didn’t weigh in last Wednesday. So, I’m a week behind, but I’m in it now! Here we go:

Beginning Weight: 287.5 (1/5/2013)
Current Weight: 287 (1/9/2013)
Gain/Loss: -.5 lbs

Not a great loss, but I’ll take it!

Not a great loss, but I’ll take it. I’m gearing up for the next Iron Tribe Fitness Transformation Challenge that starts Monday. That will consist of 40 days of workouts, paleo eating, and lots and lots of water. I’m participating in the Weight Loss Division so hopefully this will be a nice kick start to my weight loss goals.

I’m also planning the next Birmingham Dance Walk. It’s set for February 2nd – Groundhog Day – at 2:00 p.m. in the Loft District. You can find out more about it and RSVP here. We’re meeting on the corner of 2nd and 24th Street North, in front of Erdreich Architecture. We’ll dance walk down 2nd Avenue North so be sure to let your friends at Urban Standard, Rogue Tavern, Charm, Pale Eddie’s, What’s on Second, Jim Reed Books, and Sojourns know to look for us as we round the block. And EVERYONE is welcome; the more, the merrier. If you’re not familiar with dance walking, check out the video that started it all here. And we have heard rumors that Madge, the Magic City Dragon, may make an appearance.

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.

04
Jan
2013

Mission Impossible

categories: Birmingham

Today’s 31 Days to Better Blogging challenge from our fearless See Jane Write leader, Javacia Harris Bowser, was to write a mission statement for our blog. This has been mentioned before by Javacia and I’ve struggled with it ever since. We recently had to look inside ourselves to figure out the purpose of our blog – what did we want to accomplish with it? I didn’t state that outright in an entry, but I realized the direction I want to move in was something encompassing Birmingham. I am utterly, unconditionally, unfailingly in love with this city. I couldn’t tell you when it happened or how exactly, but I breathe it. I grew up in the church and the way we are supposed to spread the word and goodness of God is also how I feel about Birmingham. I want to tell everyone about this city and bring them from all corners of the earth. It’s not that she’s better than your city, but she is beautiful. She is cultured. She is kind. She is environmentally friendly. She is loving. She is growing in herself all the time. She is learning. She is courageous. She is intellectual. She is inventive. She is educated. In short, she is darn close to the perfect woman. She has her flaws – every woman does – but she is learning from her mistakes through the years and will continue to make strides. She can’t do it alone..no one woman can. I am her biggest cheerleader and have decided, for as long as she’ll have me, my blog will be dedicated in great part to her. Therefore:

Yougotrossed is a blog about the great loves of my life with the main focus on Birmingham, Alabama. It will be used primarily to educate readers about the city and promote Birmingham’s various offerings including geographical, cultural, historical, and current events. This will be a space for fostering community involvement. It will also encompass the other loves of my life including fitness, feminism, writing, self-improvement, and volunteering.

There you have it, Birmingham. I’m all yours.

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.

02
Nov
2012

Birmingham is Beautiful

categories: Birmingham

Hi hi! Day 2 of #bloglikecrazy.

Our esteemed leader, Javacia Harris Bowser, provided us with writing prompts for this project if we were so inclined. Oh yes, I was totally inclined. Today’s prompt was DEFENSE. It IS football season here in the South, after all. Heh, I kid. She encouraged us to defend something in our post today that usually gets a bad rap. I’ll give ya something – BIRMINGHAM. I touched on it yesterday, but this city is absofreakinmazing. (+1 for that awesome made-up word).

I drive a lot of places. I don’t like to fly so me and my sweet little ride venture all over this beautiful country of ours. Birmingham is a great location geographically because we have mountains, beaches, flat lands, the coast, and major cities all within a few hours’ drive of here. Name it, you can get to it. Well, not really desert, but who really wants to hang out in the desert anyway? My point is that we are centrally located to and in some of the most beautiful mountains, trees, and beaches in the country. And I haven’t even touched on the city itself.

I am not a snob, but I am not a fan of traffic. I lived in Northern Virginia/DC for a few years and I got my fill for LIFE there. And I am, at heart, a city girl. Therefore I live and work and play mostly downtown and on this side of the mountain. I venture down US 280 when I absolutely have to and it’s mostly to hit the Apple store at the Summit. When the Target gets finished on Lakeshore, I will be down 280 even less. 🙂 I venture down or up 65 when traveling to Montgomery or Wisconsin to see my family. Don’t get me wrong, 280 and 65 are fine and provide some of the most scenic views of our county as far as the eye can see. But I prefer the bustle, culture, and atmosphere of downtown.

I’ve lived in a few cities, but I always end up back in Birmingham. There’s a reason: the beautiful historic buildings downtown, the charm and character in every brick facade, the history in the sidewalks, and the memories in the store windows. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to live in a loft. The lofts downtown have exploded in the past decade and businesses on the other side of the tracks have followed. Second Avenue North is becoming the place to be and 1st Avenue is right behind it, not to mention Morris Avenue. I always keep an eye out and hope to one day buy (or at least rent) down there.

Along with the cityscape are the activities that Birmingham has to offer – they are never-ending. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it until I die – If someone says there is nothing to do in this town, they aren’t looking very hard. If you look at my personal Facebook and Google calendar any day of the week, there is likely an event on there and usually more than one. Our people are active – whether it’s personally or professionally – and they are putting themselves out there and LEADING the way for others. They are organizing projects, runs, fundraisers, art exhibits, plays, comedy shows, restaurant openings, festivals, kickball and ultimate Frisbee tournaments, pet meet ups, concerts, and everything else in between. Our libraries and civic organizations are bustling with free activities, and there are unique fundraisers for worthy causes and non-profits all the time.

Our city has its share of problems and the government and BOE are infamous at this point. But, Birmingham’s positives still vastly outweigh her negatives and I think people sometimes forget that. I don’t. And I’m not alone…there are many cheerleaders around the city. Look closely and talk – you will be surprised. Being a part of the love and growth movement in Birmingham runs in my blood. I try to share and spread that love when I can. If you ever need a reminder of how beautiful Birmingham is, stop on the 22nd Street Bridge at sunset. Or visit Linn Park at sunrise to watch volunteers feed the houseless. Or go to Five Points South any day of the week and witness the love. It’s there…I promise. And if you can’t find it, email me at sherri at yougotrossed dot com and we’ll go on a field trip. Stay beautiful, Birmingham.

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.