and this is the life i love

give thanks

2011-11-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

Between my blog, twitter, Facebook and whatever other mediums I use for communication- I've managed to try and voice something I'm thankful for so far each day this month. I think it's important to be thankful for something everyday, but it's especially nice to have a month of remembering to remember to be thankful.

Today especially.
We are asked to remember those who have sacrificed.
Who have been on the front lines.
Who have missed their families.
Cried for their loved ones.
Didn't make it to a birth of their child.
Raised babies and families on their own for months on end.
Lost.their.lives.

Today, especially. We should stop and say thank you. We should remember that although, all problems are relative. And problems do suck. Not all problems are world ending. Some things we think are earth shattering can be overcome in a moment. Today is a good day to lock away your problems and give all your regard for those protecting your freedom. And to their families. And their struggles. Who knows where we would be without them. inspiration. . .expiration. . .

I wish "Thank You" felt like enough. For all those serving, have served and especially to your families: Your sacrifices are beyond words. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

FALLTASTIC

2011-11-02T15:06:00.000-04:00

I honestly CANNOT believe that it's November already. I swear it was May and I blinked and fall was here. Luckily, I love fall. Who doesn't love fall? And luckily, Atlanta is actually pretty amazing during the fall season. Since living here, I've often heard the phrase "if you don't like Atlanta in the fall, you'll never like Atlanta!" Which I'm most certainly agreeing with!

(I took this last weekend when LBS and I climbed Stone Mountain)

The even crazier part about it being November is it's the downhill start into the holidays and non stop busy busy times!! I think there is something major going on every weekend until Christmas, and before I know it- we'll be bringing in the New Year.

Being that November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, I thought I'd try to stay optimistic each and everyday by thinking of something I am truly THANKFUL for and sharing it. It shouldn't be too hard. (:

(courtesy of Pinterest)

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to start a new job, in a great company, with wonderful benefits (in a ~~so-called~~ slow economy).

What are YOU thankful for today?

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

you can't put a price on happiness

2011-10-28T15:29:00.000-04:00

I put my notice in at work today. I've been a terrible, nauseous, blurry mess since I made the decision to move on from my position. But it had to be done. So my plan was to put in my notice before the end of the week.

Then yesterday I was offered an incredible raise. (Completely coincidental to my realization of leaving.) And I got confused.

I had to weigh the pro's and cons of basically forfeiting a lot of money for happiness. With a little help from good friends, I realized there is no price for happiness. I'm unhappy at this job. And there aren't enough George Washington's in this world to fix that.

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." -Eleanor Roosevelt

So I decided, regardless- to still give my notice.

"Our best decisions, the ones that we never regret, come from listening to ourselves."

Today, at lunch time. I swallowed the ginormous pit in my stomach. Held back some tears. Spit out my most likely coming from left field decision. And pretended like I had it together.

"And even if its killing you, you gotta keep your head up, because there are so many people that would die just to see you fall."

The worst part about it was having to put in my notice. I HATE putting people in a bad position. And leaving a job, ultimately- puts a lot of people in a bad position. Luckily, I was able to give about a 3 weeks’ notice instead of 2 weeks’ notice. That’ll give me more time to train a new person. And then maybe I won’t feel so bad by the end of the 3 weeks.

I'm so torn. I feel a weight is lifted off my shoulders. I know I'm moving on to better things. And, even though I know I’m doing the right thing. Even though my boss couldn’t have been kinder and more supportive of my leaving. I feel guilty. ugh

but hey

"No matter how bad things are at any one moment, no moment lasts. good or bad, time moves on because it has to. And so do you."

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

fall yumminess

2011-10-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

I absolutely LOVE the fall season. It usually tends to get a bit jaded at the beginning every year, but once I start to feel better about things, I end up being SO happy that I get to enjoy all things fall!

Many of you are well into the fall season. . . I'm pretty sure the leaves have already changed up north. And well, it's probably about 70 degrees outside. BUT the nights and mornings are chilly and there is that crispness to the air that smells like fall! I'm all about the boots, and sweaters and scarves. . .and I'm obviously completely in love with roasts, soups and casseroles!

This weekend LBS and I hosted our neighbor friends for Sunday football as our HOUSE IS FINALLY in the final stages of being finished!!! AMAZING right?! I made some DELISH! corn chowder for everyone to enjoy! It takes a lot to get a southerner to eat and enjoy chowder, but luckily it was a hit!

I've been flagging some awesome looking meals from everyones blogs and can't wait to enjoy them!!

Here's an amazing recipe for PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE ! that is super healthy for you and that you'll want to make again and again. It literally tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass! AND "each 8-ounce cup offers 100% of the daily value for beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights cancer."

Whip one up:

•Blend 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

•1/2 cup vanilla soy milk

•1/2 cup crushed ice

•1 tablespoon honey

•1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

Pour and drink!

Nutritional Facts per serving
Calories 161.9 cal
Fat 2.3 g
Saturated fat 0.3 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 58.9 mg
Carbohydrates 33.6 g
Total sugars 24.6 g
Dietary fiber 3.9 g
Protein 4.5 g

You can sub almond milk or regular milk if you want. . I've also used vanilla soy ice cream instead of ice and milk and it's just as good!!

Happy FALL!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

poor animals

2011-10-20T12:31:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've heard by now about the private zoo owner that took his own life after letting all of his animals run free in Zanesville, OH.

It breaks my heart that someone was pushed to the point of suicide and ultimately caused so many animals to be shot and killed. I understand why they had a shoot to kill order but I do really wish they could have saved them. I guess maybe I wish I never had to hear or read about the whole ordeal. There should be a positive news only filter! Then I could live in happy oblivion from the world's chaos.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

oh the holiday stress has begun

2011-10-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

This year's itinerary for the holiday includes my family for Thanksgiving and LBS's family for Christmas. Last year we went to my family for Thanksgiving and stayed in ATL for Christmas. I can't remember why, but I'm bummed we didn't spend either holiday with LBS's family. This year we're TRYING to make a point to get to both, but I'm stressing like woah!

We've been watching the flight prices to Boston for about 2 months now and they're going nowhere south. You know that time where you're probably past the point of no return but you can't bite the bullet anyway? That's where we're at right now. The tickets to BOS are around $530/ticket. . .which is just insanity- even if it ISSSS the holidays. I can't fathom paying over $1000 for tickets for four days; TWO of which would pretty much be spent travelling ANYWAY. I know I'm going to have to just do it but UGH!

We also have Stitch, our kitten.

Who cannot be boarded because she is too young; who does not have anybody to watch her while we are gone because, well- it's the holidays.

Anybody want to watch her? (ps she is insane!)

And so starts the stress of the holidays. YIKES!

on a more positive note-
The construction on our house is ALMOST COMPLETE!! We are not longer walking on concrete and we have painted walls!! WAHOO! Now I'm obsessed with throwing everything out that we don't need. I've started a 3 month no touch rule. If it hasn't been used/touched in 3 months. DONATE or GARBAGE! LBS and I are fairly simple people without very much STUFF in general. But with BRAND NEW everything in our house. I'm going to extremes!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

today will always hurt

2011-10-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm not much for words every Oct 14th. So, this year, I borrowed some:

"Constantly thinking,
never to be the same,
the tears fall quickly
just hearing your name.

Silence is golden
yet not anymore
silence brings thoughts
I just can't ignore.

The nights are sleepless,
dreams out of reach.
Crying in my pillow
to you I beseech.

Surrounded by family,
I still feel alone.
My heart is so empty,
this pain I must own.

I wish I could hug you
and just see your face.
But now I have memories
to stand in your place.

Gone but not forgotten,
that's what they say.
Of course that is true...
but if only you could of stayed."

rest; but continue to grow peacefully sweet girl.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

giraffe flu 3.0

2011-10-11T13:27:00.000-04:00

For someone that has worked in a direct patient care setting for my entire career, I’ve managed to get extremely lucky in the sickness department. I really RARELY get sick. I attribute my excellent bill of health to COMPLETELY ignoring the handwashing rules of life. It's worked out well for me, so I'm sticking to it!

I managed to pick up some sort of virus/flu/chest cold somewhere along my travels to Boston and Vermont 2 weekends ago and am still fighting it full on. If you remember my dramatic account of the original giraffe flu a few years back, you know that when I AM sick- I’m the biggest drama queen on the planet and fully expect someone to be planning my funeral at any moment. I’m sure you will all be invited.

I can’t breathe between the serious coughing fits, so I haven’t gone to the gym or run or even actually done anything (other than a 3 hr cleaning rampage that I am considering physical activity because of how high I made my blood pressure during the frenzy) since before the wedding weekend. Uuuguggggghhhhh

Anybody have any get well solutions? This afternoon I’m forcing myself to choke down a grand slam from Arden’s Garden (which consists of a shot of Ginger Root Juice, Pure Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice and Wheat Grass). It’s my last resort [considering I will probably puke afterwards] but I really can’t deal with the plague any longer. If I don’t get out and run/exercise soon I’m going to go more bananas than I already am! BLAH!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

ohthefunwehave

2011-10-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend LBS left last Friday for the most amazing EPIC WEEKEND WEDDING EVENT ever!!!

My very best friend JAWBREAKER and her hubby officially (in god's place) TIED THE KNOT!!! They technically eloped a couple years back before the hubby got deployed but this was THE REAL DEAL, EVERYBODY PARTY FOR 4 DAYS EVENT!!

The entire wedding party stayed in the most amazing Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home that literally hung over the ocean.

We woke up everysinglemorning to THIS: (our room was the bottom floor corner!)

All of us kept walking around in awe of the place. We couldn't believe it's magnificence and hated leaving for anything!!!

The actual wedding was gorgeous. Her parents stopped at NOTHING to make the night memorable. The food was amazing, the bar was open all night, the band and DJ never stopped, the dancing took over everyone that attended.

If that doesn't look like someone having fun, I don't know what does!! (;

LBS and I had such a great time and met some of the most incredible people!! I can't even explain how much fun the entire weekend was!! It was a perfect kick off to October and I'll certainly remember the great times we had forever!

Oh ! and I even snuck away to Vermont for a couple hours to visit Biffle and her fam AND my family. . . and also to see my little sister kick butt in her field hockey game.

We went out to dinner with my SIL, Tudster, the miggies and my mom after the game:

I was soooo glad to see them all!!!

This week was back to reality faster than I could bat my eyelashes. BLAAAH. I ended up contracting the flu somehow so I've coughing my way through the mounds on my desk for the past 5 days and am GLAD to be coming into the weekend again!!!

In other good news: the construction finally started on our house. At least after living in a construction zone for 8 weeks we are now living in a on it's way to being completely renovated construction zone!!

WAHOO!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

TGIF!

2011-09-23T16:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight baby Stitch has to go to the vet to get her 16 weeks shots.
Tomorrow we are going CAR SHOPPING!! Wahoo.
Tomorrow night we are going to LBS 10 year high school reunion. Oh joy. . .not.
Sunday we are going to try and catch the last bit of warm rays Atlanta has to offer on our last semi free weekend.
Sunday afternoon/night we are doing fall cleaning and donating/throwing out everything we don't need that has accumulated over the summer of dump and run.

And then the weekend is OVER.

Then we work for 2 days.

AND THEN WE ARE OFF for the JAWBREAKER'S weekend wedding extravaganza!!!! Nothing like one of your bestest buds getting married!! (:

All good things to keep me busy on my final stretch of September!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

lazy thursday

2011-09-22T17:05:00.000-04:00

It's dreary and about to storm in Atlanta. Kickball was cancelled for the evening and all I want to do is go home, plop down on the couch with some soup and watch bad TV. Our house however, as I've mentioned 50 billion times, is torn up from the neighbor flooding us out. So I can't cook soup and our couch/tv situation isn't exactly comfortable considering most of our house's contents are shoved into the living room.

We'll be going non stop starting tomorrow night so maybe I should be like Tim Gunn, and make it work. It'll be like camping. Inside our house. Hmm.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

They say bad things come in 3’s right?

2011-09-21T16:34:00.001-04:00

Soooo- our house, it STILL completely torn apart and we have not even heard a start date for construction. As a matter of fact, we have not heard anything except excuse upon excuse. The lady in charge of it all refuses to talk to me because of how much harassing I’ve done and I’m at a loss of what else to do. Today marks 6 weeks of living in a construction zone and I have had it beyond belief! We leave in a week for the jawbreaker’s wedding in Boston, so we’ve told ourselves if we haven’t heard by October, we’ll be hiring a lawyer. Which sounds like so much fun for my wallet considering they charge about $40 billion an hr!!

On top of that, LBS started last week off by shredding his tire on the highway. We carpooled and managed with a donut for the week, intending to continue to do so until our wallets allowed for a new tire and the jazz that comes with a change out. Not soooo bad but thennnn.

This past weekend LBS and I had plans to head upstate to the outlets to cash in some new fashion and also gift shop for our upcoming weddings. Half way there my car starts sputtering and yelling at LBS in the form of smoke and stinky burning smells to stop driving! I was on the phone with my g’ma who was gabbing away about nothing so I didn’t really notice the seriousness at first. I managed to get her off the phone by telling her my car stalled but not before she yelled at me for talking to her while I was trying to drive. UGH.

Luckily, he was able to make it off the exit to a gas station where I collected my freaking out enough and called AAA. I still have a VT phone number so when I call they direct me to the northeast AAA and then act all confused when I tell them I’m in GA. As if I’m the only person in the world that lives in a state that doesn’t match my cell phone’s area code. AS IF I was asking them to send a tow truck from VT to GA. Listen people, this is the second down car this week- I have little patience and a rapidly decreasing wallet size. Please just send a dang tow truck from SOMEWHERE to our stranded in the middle of nowhere GA butts!!!

Once they come to understand the situation they assure me that a truck will be there momentarily. Which, props to them -it did. And amazingly enough, it was a totally normal looking dude in a brand new shiny truck. He pulled my car right up onto the flat bed in less time then I had to form a tear from the pit in my throat. At the same time he was telling us it was against AAA protocol but he’d be happy to bring us home. I knew for a fact that it was the middle of a Saturday afternoon which meant everyone we knew was at least half a college football game deep in miller light, so we’d be cabbing it all the way back to the city. But, before I could YELL the no thank you that was about to come out of my mouth LBS was already thanking him and opening up the passenger door, shooing me in and glancing at me to not say anything. The pit in my throat dropped quickly to my stomach and then back up into my throat. Against my better judgment, lip quivering, I mumbled something about a scary movie to LBS and climbed up into the truck. The passenger and middle seat was conveniently NOT connected to the driver’s seat which put me only slightly at ease.

We managed to survive the thousand mile ride back to civilization and even got to hear Mr. Driver’s great stories about working on choppers with Jesse James and his son playing football at Auburn. He dropped us and my car safely off in the middle of a shop driveway, happily collected his generous towing fee and was on his way. LBS and I had about a 2 mile walk home from there, but LBS made up for my fading mood by suggesting we go try on engagement rings! There are few things besides wine or margaritas that can kick me from a rotten mood, but this was an all time record breaker in the mood stabilizing department. Too bad that the pizzazz is probably worn off now that we did it though /: We’ve since heard back from the mechanic who so kindly told us the car needed more work than it was worth and are currently deciding on taking the leap into car payments. Efffffffffffffffffffffffffff is all I can say about that idea.

And that my friends better be the 3 tales in my story of bad luck. Because frankly, this isn’t the time of year to tempt a nervous breakdown. They usually tend to happen at the sight of a wrong sized coffee first thing in the morning. So this BS. . .is beyond my realm of handling at the moment. Someone I’m managing. Most likely at poor Stitch (our new kitten) and LBS expense. YIKES!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

googlicious entertainment

2011-09-16T13:21:00.000-04:00

Most of us are pretty familiar with google considering a handful of us blog in it's blogger.

If you're not familiar with it (or just haven't noticed), when you're eMailing someone back and forth, google comes up with links to websites in relation to what you're speaking about in the eMail. I've always found it to be creepy and I usually ignore it.

Biffle and I eMail back and forth pretty much everyday about anything and everything. Today, we were talking about mold issues because she lives in VT and pretty much everyone will be suffering the consequences of it once all this water damage has been sorted out. Google did it's regular job of creeping in on my eMails resulting in the side bar suggestions:

NOW, because of Blonde Ponytails post starring this picture (I am apologizing in advance for it's grossness):

"geez dude, ever hear of a pit stop?" (talk about taking the runs seriously)

we I starting talking about. . .well- diarrhea.

So, being the wackjob that I am, I think to myself I should try to draw out the conversation as long as possible to see what google can come up with for links! So far it's just blank. Not even an immodium link. Lame.

I will have to come up with some other absurd thing to entertain myself with I suppose.

BOO.

HAPPY RANDOM FRIDAY!!!! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

Discouraging. and FYE

2011-09-14T13:14:00.001-04:00

Ever since forking over the excessive contents of my ovaries, I’ve been arguing with myself about getting back into running shape. I’m still “in shape”. . .but my cardiovascular endurance took a dive for the barren sea of excruciation. IT’S really super annoying and discouraging to know you could bust out 5 miles on a whim without even trying not too long ago. Now I get winded walking up the stairs to the cardio room at the gym! OK, that’s a minor exaggeration. Seriously though, I’ve been considering purchasing a running program that will demand my attention by way of daily direction. Fact is, I know how to get ready for a race, and run consistently so what the freak is the holdup brain. Get over it!!

Mornings are cool(er) here in Atl so maybe I just need to map out my favorite 3 mi loop and do the walk to run business. I’m sure I’ll pick my groove back up eventually! In the mean time, I should probably sign up for a race as back brained motivation.

Get it together legs and heart!

I'm sort of bummed I didn't take the time to talk about my Saturday night. BUT I found this picture on my phone and it pretty much sums the night up well enough! F.Y.E (for your entertainment)

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

ABCs

2011-09-12T14:26:00.001-04:00

Often, when there is so much on my mind, there is too much for me to channel one entry worth of thoughts. This weekend was a roller coaster of emotions and as much as I'd like to identify with them and share them, I can't. So in the mean time. . .I thought I'd post this random ABC thing that I found on someone else's blog.

So here ya go:

A. Age: 26

B. Bed size: Queen.

C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning the bathroom. I would rather just not shower so that it stays pristine (;

D. Dogs: Are too expensive for my current lifestyle. BUT I love my KITTEN!

E. Essential start to your day: CAFFEINE!

F. Favorite color: GREEN

G. Gold or silver: Usually silver. . .I’ve incorporated gold a bit more lately though.

H. Height: 5’3”

I. Instruments you play(ed): I played the recorder with everyone else in elementary school, and learned the piano somewhere along the lines too

J. Job title: Practice Manager and Billing Consultant

K. Kids: Someday. For now I just love on my nieces and my friends’ kids

L. Live: HOTLANTA. I’ll always claim New England though (;

M. Mom’s name: Sharon

N. Nicknames: Nik, Niki, Picky, Picolette, Babe, Stinker/loverbutt, Assimus, 14-12

O. Overnight hospital stays: Recently, just the face being burned off incident

P. Pet peeves: Toilet paper roll under (it should go over!), mouth/food smacking (CLOSE YOUR MOUTH)

Q. Quote from a movie: "We're all gonna have so much f*cking fun we'll need plastic surgery to remove our Godd*mn smiles! You'll be whistling Zip-a-dee-doo-da out of your *ssholes!" -- National Lampoon's Vacation

R. Righty or lefty: It seems that I write with my right and do other things with my left

S. Siblings: Jake, Kristen, Mikey, Kimba, Angie

T. Time you wake up: Anywhere from 6:30am-7:30am on weekdays, depending and usually 8ish on weekends.

U. Underwear: I have a problem. . .like an 800 pairs problem

V. Vegetables you don’t like: Is that even possible?

W. What makes you run late: I’m rarely late. And if I’m am, it’s traffic or make-ups fault

X. X-rays you’ve had: holy gosh! Face too many times (thanks jawbreaker), ribs, hand, ankles a billion times, teeth obv at the dentist. . .think that’s it!

Y. Yummy food you make: I’ve been told my corn chowder rocks. . .and meatloaf

Z. Zoo animal favorites: GIRAFFES!!!!!!!! Duh.

wanna play?

Why hello there September.

2011-09-07T15:09:00.000-04:00

Where the frick did you come from!? If you’ve been reading for awhile, you know how much crap Sept and October bring to my life. . .if you haven’t been reading- you can get an idea here and here.

So far, I’m ok. Two of my friends have asked if I’m alright due to “seeming off”. I said I was fine. Which is my “go to” answer. Luckily, they know what fine actually stands for. Plus, to be honest, I was thinking my head was going to be normal this year. That I wasn’t going to realize what month is was until Thanksgiving was here. Obviously I was wrong.

My mom called last night “just to chat” which never happens. There is usually some game plan to the conversation. I realized after that was her way of reminding me of my resources.

I know I’m not alone. I have the best friends a girl could ask for, a boyfriend that would literally die for me and a family that given up almost everything to keep me safe.

My body is finally returning to homeostasis after the egg donation which has allowed me to get back in my gym groove. It’s finally cooled down a bit (lately at least) to hit the pavement and we all know there’s no better way to keep your head clear that a crisp morning run with the tunes blaring. So I'm looking forward to keeping distracted with all that!!

Every year I try to convince myself to act a certain way and make some sort of excuses for my thoughts. It’s rare that I stick by those decisions but somehow I feel a bit more accomplished and less dramatic.

I’ve decided this year that I can’t be worried about if I’m being dramatic. I can’t dwell on the idea that my emotions might be unjustified. I can’t question my memories. The fact is, I hold it together every other day of the year because I have an amazing support team. I’m allowed to lose my mind for a few weeks out of the year and know that it will be tolerated because of just that: I have an amazing support team.

I used to hate when therapists would remind me of my history around this time of year because I swore it never effected me specifically based on time and circumstance. I’d usually use that very phrasing to excuse myself from their services, and tell my parents they were worthless. Maybe this year I’ll write a letter to 21 years worth of therapist and let them know, they were actually right.

This year will be different because it’s a different year with different surroundings, different people, a different outlook, a different future. Even though, I know it’s still September and October.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

what I did while I was missing

2011-08-31T13:26:00.000-04:00

1.) Successfully donated 2 large handfuls of freshly made half babies.
2.) Spent a MUCH needed, so much fun long weekend with CP. (note- do not pay $150 for makeup and a blow out. . .you will end up hating it)
3.) Enjoyed my birthday with my parental units and baby sister- The Tudster.
4.) Got a side job as the social media director for a new comedy/music club (I might be way in over my head with this one!)
5.) Watched an epic flood (not as epic as Irene) destroy LBS and my condo- RIGHT in front of our eyes.
6.) Went on an amazing trip to San Diego to visit JAWBREAKER and her soon to be (wedding wise) husband!!!
7.) Came back to another TINY (in comparison) flood in our already torn up and destroyed condo.
8.) Helplessly followed Irene as she tore up my home state and continues to ruin so many of my family and friends lives. /: (IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP, PLEASE: CHECK THIS OUT )

My ability to keep up with social media over the past couple weeks is seriously lacking. I'm overwhelmed and exhausted. Here's hoping my efforts continue!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

sh*t my patients say part deux

2011-08-04T10:08:00.000-04:00

Patient: "Why do you have a rubberband on your wrist?"
Me (skeptically wondering if that's a new faux pas I missed): "Not sure, I must have taken it off something and it ended up on my wrist!"
Patient (angry): "That's what's wrong with your generation, things end up where they don't belong and you don't even know why!"
Me (sarcastically smiling: this isn't about the rubberband is it?): "Next time I'll stow it properly."
~
Patient (standing next to bathroom door, looking down hall way at me): "Where is the restroom?"
Me (pointing): "The room right there, directly on your left."
Patient (annoyed, pointing across his body with both arms): "Well your left is different than my left so which one?"
Me (walking toward him, motioning to the bathroom. . really dude!?!): "YOUR!!!! LEFT!"
~
Patient (watching me refill a fiji water bottle): "Why would you buy that water if you're just going to refill it?"
Me (extremely confused): "I drank the water I bought and now I'm recycling the bottle for the day by reusing it. . . ?!"
Patient: "But now it's not Fiji water"
Me (more confused, furrowing brow): "yeah I know. . .that's ok though. . .!" (don't you have something better to do like get a diagnosis?)
~
Patient: "Didn't you wear that dress yesterday? Oh wait, I wasn't here yesterday"
Me (aricept increase anyone?): [smile]
~
Me: "Mrs. X, why don't I get you a chair?"
Mrs. X (92 years old): "I'm not that old missy"
Me: [so much for trying out some southern hospitality]
~
Me: "Call me when you get the paperwork in the mail and I'll go over it with you"
Patient (walking away): "You have a great day too darlin'!"

inspiration. . .expiration . . .

half baby making

2011-08-01T16:17:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the big day! I'll be forking over my half of the baby makers and a mom that has most likely struggled for years to have a baby is going to have petri dish full of potential kiddos.

The past couple days have been sorta rough. I feel like there is a 20 pound dumbbell sitting in the bottom of my belly. Every time I move it puts pressure on things inside me that aren't natural to feel in any other circumstance (except maybe pregnancy). As of the last ultrasound there were about 26 follicles. . .some of the biggest were 10-15 mm. You can do that math of all that fitting into my baby making area.

Dr. LBS was a trooper last night and administered the IM (intramuscular) injection into my ~~ass~~ upper hip like he'd been doing it for years. Today feels like I got kicked by a horse but at least it represents the end of this journey. We've made as much light of the situation as possible and I'm glad to have gone through all of this with him. He might think otherwise, especially after he sees me coming out of anesthesia tomorrow. . . but he'll never admit to it being troublesome.

Joking about it all has me curving back around to the positive side of things. My mood isn't so gloomy and ever changing. I'm remembering why I did this in the first place. I'm incredibly happy to be able to help someone out by giving them the gift of family. It's probably because I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. . .and there's a prize for both sides of this fertility game. Who knows though.

Today I think I'd do it again. . .but like any other time: that might change again in 5 minutes.

Wish the intended parent luck on pregnancy!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

google+ and eggs

2011-07-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

Has anybody started using Google+ yet?

I tried to this am. . .it didn't go so well.

I seems like an expansion of twitter/facebook type streaming and such. . .but I don't actually know.

Want to be invited to it? Let me know and I'll add you to my circle so you can try it out too!

.....

I think I only have about a week or so left until my egg retrieval. I have an appt at 730 am tomorrow for a follicle count and more lab work. I should find out then when the retrieval is.

I'm on day 4 of 2-3 shots/day. The suppression drug is in the morning, and the follicle hormone (FSH) is in the evening. The only reason I sometimes have to do 3 shots is because the FSH comes in low increment doses. So, my dose sometimes requires me to switch out the vial and stick myself again to get the rest of my dose.

About and hr after the FSH injection my brain is mush and I'm utterly exhausted. Last night I fell asleep before 930 and slept until 7! During the day, my moods are still crazy as ever. Up down and all around. I'm never hungry, but I've gained lots of water weight! My stomach looks like a pin cushion. . .I'm totally over it. This probably sounds dramatic but giving yourself shots and all these dr. visits gets a little bit depressing. Even though I'm perfectly healthy. . .it makes me think constantly about all the people that have to deal with shots and blood draws and dr visits as a regular part of their life. I keep trying really hard to just feel grateful that I'm able to help someone and that I am healthy- but it's really hard to see past the reality of it.

I did some low resistance working out yesterday, which helped me clear my head and feel a little better about things. It also just made me want this over with faster so I can get back to full workouts.

As of right now, I say I'll never donate again. . .but that could change in the next 5 minutes. hmph.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

sh*t my patients say

2011-07-25T16:21:00.000-04:00

I can't run.
I feel like a 90 year old woman with rickets.
I have exponential cramping.
I'm one big baby right now.
These intended parents better love the crap out of the ACTUAL baby I'm partially in the process of cooking for them!

So anyways- I laugh at a lot of things during the day-- usually Carrie! BUT a handful of the big giggles in my life come from my interactions with some wacky ass patients. So instead of whining, I will share some funny shit that our convo's consist of. This will probably become a reoccurring theme.

Male patient: "Can I go to the bathroom first before he messes with the neighbor?"

Me (pointing to bathroom, looking at him oddly): "You probably shouldn't have to ask that as a 40 something year old man"

Patient: "My heartrate is 50"

Me: pausing waiting for the problem.

Patient: "ahem"

Me: "Congrats? What's the problem?"

Patient: "I take 5 mg of [medication] as directed except on Sunday"

Me: "Why not on Sunday"

Patient: "I'm not sure"

Me: walking away. . . shaking head

Patient (that smells like she is already dead): "You didn't get to meet my dog last time I was here- do you want to pet her?"

Me (gagging): "Sure, where is she?"

Patient (pissed, pointing, stomping foot): "What do you mean? She's right here!"
Me (wtfing. . .dog is apparently imaginary): "I have to meet with another patient, I'll meet her next time"
~
Patient: "You look like you ate sunshine for breakfast!"
Me: "I ate lucky charms does that count?"
~
Patient: "I want to get my blood sugar checked."
Me: "Are you diabetic?"
Patient: "No, but I'm hyper today."
Me (oh right, excellent use of medical resources, makes perfect sense, glad you took the time to come all the way in here. Maybe you should do something more productive with your day): "We can't check your sugars unless you're diabetic."
~

TBC. . .

inspiration. . . expiration. . .

BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY

2011-07-21T14:38:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was my one and only: LBS's birthday!!!

He turned the ripe young age of 29 and lived up the day like he was 21 again (:

In honor of his birthday I thought I'd tell you the story of us!

I'm pretty sure every girl remembers her friends & family telling her something along the lines of "when you know, you just know!" in reference to someday finding their life partner. There were plenty of guys that you swore up and down to be "the one" and when you broke up with them, you wondered WTflip you were thinking.

Then (for those of us that it's happened to) you finally meet THE ONE! And you have that a'ha moment where you realize exactly what everyone was talking about.

We met at the restaurant where he works.
I was serving in between real jobs and he was the kitchen manager.
He said he knew from the moment he saw me that we would be together forever.
I however, was in a (horrible) relationship when I first met him and was going through a nasty breakup in the weeks of getting to know him better. Plus, I never even once considered him to be "in my league".

Throughout getting to know him and realizing he was hot, super nice and tons of fun- I thought it would be great to hang out with him and one of my best friends- EMMALOVE, figuring maybe they'd end up together.

So I made it happen- LBS, EMMALOVE, myself and one of LBS's friends all went out for a night on the town. I had my match making hat on, but Em whispered in the early hours of the night that LBS was totally not into her and that it was obvious he liked me.

I didn't believe her at all, but a few hours later, I found myself dancing the night away with him.

AND THE rest, as they say- is history!

We fell in love hard and fast and never looked back since! It's absolutely amazing to share my life with my absolute perfect match.
He's kind, understanding, patient, loyal, honest, trustworthy, funny, supportive. I could go on and on, but sap gets boring!!

SO! Happy day to my best friend and life partner. I can't wait for decades of birthdays and the life our future holds.

inspiration. . .expiration

LOVE THIS!!

2011-07-19T12:36:00.000-04:00

I stole this from Briana because, well- it's amazing!!!

"Rules for being Human.

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it but it will be yours for the entire period this time around. Give yourself a break and love what you've been given.

You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informational school called 'life.' Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant or stupid. It doesn't matter. Learn them.

There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error... a form of experimentation. The 'failed' experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately 'work.'

A lesson is repeated until it is learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

'There' is no better then 'here.' When your 'there' has become a 'here,' you will simply obtain another 'there,' which will (again!) look better than 'here.'

Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects in you something you love or hate about yourself.

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you... the choice is yours.

Your answers lie inside of you. The answers to life's questions are right there... all you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

This is your life. Right now. So go live it. "

and breathe too (:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

donation update

2011-07-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

I’m a week and one day into my injections (20 units of Lupron into my stomach with an insulin needle). It’s been an interesting week of emotional ups and downs, bloating, a weird period (sorry TMI I KNOW) and an immense lack of appetite. I got news yesterday that the last genetic test they were waiting to hear back from was negative so- as long as my body cooperates- everything is go for launch. If all goes well the extraction should be scheduled for the first week of August.

I seriously hope my body cooperates because altering my life this much is getting intense!!

I don’t know how many more little bruises I can have on my stomach before someone at the pools calls the police on LBS.
The lack of appetite really doesn’t look good on me! I’m finally at a place in my life where I love food and I don’t enjoy anything interrupting my ability to devour a good meal.
I’m on exercise/running restrictions as well which couldn’t be any more annoying. I “accidently” ran 3 miles a few days ago. . .I was sidetracked watching some crazy medical show and when I looked down I was way past my limit. Sorry intended parent if your baby seems a little “shook up”. . .maybe they’ll be a crazy RUNNER instead- have to look at the positive side of things haha!
I go from angry to crying to wanting to fall over and sleep for 9 days to happy to annoyed to questioning my ability to be a mother to jealous of anything and everything to happy again and so on. The only way I can explain it is imagine the worst day of PMS everyday for a week. NOT FUN PEOPLE!
LBS and I also have to basically sleep with a pillow between us because his little guys can’t come anywhere near me (I know I know with the TMI- again I apologize). How fun is having a hot boyfriend if you can’t even touch him!?!

Next up is another one of those 18 hours physicals. More blood work, more ultrasounds, more entire body checkups. That’s this Thursday. . .and then I start the next round of round of injectables this weekend. . . getting closer and closer to the end!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

i forgot how to spell blogger (or something like that)

2011-07-08T14:18:00.000-04:00

I remember when I used to blog and could catch up on all my blog worlds. Now my blogs have turned into reminiscing about that time in my life. This is getting old I know. And yet- here I am again. Too many days have gone by with not enough blog life in my life.

Awful.

What you've missed:

I've been moping around like whinebag because I'm sick of not having any friends in this city and I'm officially just sick.of.this.city. Any suggestions on where we can relocate our life? I'm taking any and all at this point.

I start the injections for plentiful (hopefully) egg making on Sunday. I went through a psych evaluation and genetic counseling and more blood work. Now I have to start these injections, have a million more check ups and if all goes well-- produce some little baby makers for the intended parental units.

We got a kitten. She was found outside by one of the girls in my office and I somehow ended up bringing her home. LBS and I are not cat people. Scratch that (pun intended). We WERE not cat people but we have fallen madly in love with this little character. We named her Stitch- from Lilo & Stitch and she is my new most favorite thing in the world. (except the moment I had to swipe my card for $300 at her first vet visit. I didn't like her for half of a second then)

We joined an absolutely incredible new gym. The YMCA was just not our thing and we could barely get a work out in because of how crowded it was every time we went. We joined this new place called Urban Active. I can't even explain how incredible it is. They have TONS of state of the art equipment, TRX training systems, loads of classes. . .seriously- I could walk around in complete awe for probably 45 minutes because it's just that amazing inside!

LBS ran in the Peachtree 10k on the 4th of July. It's the largest 10k in the nation supposedly. I spectated because I didn't scalp a number and I didn't think I was capable of running the ridiculously hilly 6 miler. Spectating landed me a front row seat at seeing Ryan Hall though!! Which was just sooo incredible. LBS finished in the top 24% of 55,000 finishing participants. I'm beyond proud of him. He's become quite the redonk runner lately!!

My momma called last week and proposed she, my pops and my youngest sister plan a visit the weekend after my birthday next month. That will absolutely amazing if it happens so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

THAT will mean I get to see CP at the beginning of August, my parents and kid sis the next weekend and then THE JAWBREAKER at the end of August when we fly to San Diego. What an amazing birthday month right?! I'm glad there is no such thing as too much fun!!!

Hopefully this is the icebreaker back in bloglife. It's just not the same without it. I have a lot of catching up on all yours now!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

Hobie Call

2011-06-29T13:53:00.002-04:00

Ask any Spartan racer who Hobie Call is- you’ll get the same response. A candid smile will creep across their face as they describe an amazing athlete with more courage and determination then you could ever imagine. They’ll be honored to tell you they’ve raced with him or that they wish they had the opportunity. You’ll hear the story of his incredible path and goals that have been adjusted and readjusted over the course of a few months. The Spartan will tell you the famous story of how he even sold his TV to get to a race.

Ask any Spartan racer to describe Hobie Call in a few words. They’ll say he’s inspiration, an inhuman beast with the true guts of a Spartan warrior and the courage to win it all.

Hobie has become every Spartan racer’s personal hero. His facebook page is littered with strangers sending healing vibes and hopeful words of encouragement. He probably doesn’t even know half the people he’s accepting friend requests from! He just knows they’re Spartans. The Spartans- that have come to love him with sheer optimism, without even really knowing him.

It takes a special person to uphold the Spartan Code, but Hobie pulls it off.

A Spartan:

Pushes his mind and body to it’s limits. (He’s KILLED 6 Spartan Races and even participated in the DEATH RACE).

Masters his emotions. (Check out his infections smile and obvious happiness on each and every course).

Learns continuously. (He’s learned to MASTER some of the hardest obstacles of the courses).

Gives generously. (His attitude and spirit have given power and inspiration to more people that I’m guessing he would have every imagined).

Leads. (He’s always up front! (; But he’s also become the unanimous leader of Spartan racing clans)

Stands up for what they believe in, no matter the cost. (Remember, he sold his TV to get to a race!)

Knows their flaws as well as they know their strengths. (It’s clear that Hobie pushes his strengths to the max to overcome any flaws (We just don’t know what they are yet!) )

Proves themselves through actions, not words. Hobie never asked to be a hero. He didn’t preach his plan from the rooftops and hope for waves of followers. He became a Spartan celebrity race by race from his pure will to succeed. By which, he has obviously done so in epic proportions.

Hobie’s story is an remarkable one. You’ve heard it. You’ve told it. Maybe even been a part of it. You’ve cheered him on and maybe even challenged him to help continue his story. His plan to win EIGHT more races for the ultimate title and a modest purse is nothing short of awe inspiring.

Eight more races means thousands more Spartan’s joining in the Aroo’s chanted around the globe for Hobie. If only he had a nickel for every one of those well wishes right?

For Hobie, unfortunately, part of his journey means an emptier running shorts pocket. It’s time for us to band together like the Spartan’s we are to help him reach his goal. Spartan’s give generously- and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Let’s put some dollar signs behind our cheering and help Hobie and his family get him to these last 8 races. You know the drill- ANYTHING HELPS!

Channel your inner Spartan!!

AROO!

DONATE TO HOBIE HERE!

happy day of summer

2011-06-21T12:40:00.000-04:00

Being that it's the longest day of the year. . .and after reading this post by Megan- I decided early this morning to try to not get annoyed/frustrated/judgemental. . .well anything negative in the feelings department for the entire day.

It seems lately that I've been majorly stressed about a lot of things-- TOO many things!! Lucky for me- my #1 fan and supporter is the most optimistic, stress free, fun loving person I know. LBS always does his best to remind me of the things I cannot change and the reasons I shouldn't stress about such minor occurrences or details that truly won't matter eventually. I'm trying to take his rational thinking and actions to heart and adopt them as my own. My non Y chromosome tends to make it even harder than it should be though (;

BUT TODAY! is it's own day. I'm shoving all negative aside and thinking only happy thoughts. It can't be that hard for just one day right?

BABY STEPS! (;

Let's make today a great day ok!?

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

intended donor

2011-06-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

So my egg donation journey has caused quite the stir in my life. . .

I decided I wanted to go through with it. (have I mentioned that yet?)
Even though they told me I wasn't going to be able to run for 3 weeks.

I gave up the idea of running the half marathon in SD to be able to do the donation. Which annoyed me at first, but there will be a lifetime of runs, and this donation seemed like a once in a lifetime type of experience.

I explained that I was willing and able with the stipulation of my week away in San Diego, because there is no way I'm forfeiting that trip for ANYTHING!!!

So far egg donation has been one on my top ten list of stressful lifetime experiences.

I’m pretty positive my hair is going to start falling out in clumps at any moment.

Listed below is the evidence:

I had to fill out pages upon pages of forms to "try out".

Then had go to an informational meeting to make sure I understood the entire process of donation.

I submitted photos and finalized my profile.

I tossed and turned about the idea of actually doing it.

I figured I probably wouldn't even get selected.

I did get selected.

I receive a packet in the mail with numbered outlines of the next steps in the pre screening process. Two EXTREMELY lengthy contracts (one between me and the parental units I’m so KINDLY giving me time AND eggs to and another between me and the company coordinating this shindig). I read, and reread all 574 billion pages in preparation for the STEP NUMERO UNO:

First up is a 1.5 hour phone conversation with a lawyer outlining the extremely lengthy contract (did I mention that already) between the intended parents and the donor (me). I had to rush home from a meeting so that I was sitting at my table with zero distractions in order to make this happen. The lawyer was late calling me (so much for rushing home) and also wasn’t exactly kind or welcoming to any concerns or questions. Oh this is SO not my year for lawyers.

Everything’s read, signed, has some snacks greased onto the pages and sent in.

Second on the list is a physical screening process. Basically I endured everything you would in a regular physician physical as well as a transvaginal (I know!!!TMI!! sorry!!) ultrasound as well as a full body interpretation of scars and possibly areas of infection as well as getting 20 tubes (I'm not even exxaggerating) of blood stolen from my veins.

I was at the downtown hospital where this took place for over 2 hours. It also took about 45 min to get there and get out of there (even though it's less than a 10 mi drive) due to amazingly dependable Atlanta traffic.

Next up is a full psychiatric review, which I haven't attended yet but will be this Wednesday. Apparently I should be expected to take about 4 hours out of my day for this as well.

In the mean time I am responsible for supplying all medical records from the past 3 years of my life. Awesomely tedious, and annoying.

On top of all this, for some annoying reason- there was a lapse in my Rx drug coverage. I went to fill my birth control last Friday and they told me my insurance wouldn't go through. Fantasic! Considering I'm supposed to be on birth control so that the doctor can sync me up with the intended mom's cycle. I figured I had until at least wednesday to get squared away since that's when my sugar pills were up. . . WRONG!

This morning the donation nurse coordinator calls me to remind me of psych eval and go over the blood work results she gotten back so far. She tells me so far so good- most of which I already knew, however I did learn that I don't carry the CF (cystic fibrosis gene) and that I am O+ (I'm not sure why I never knew my blood type but I am happy to know now that I can help pretty much anybody if it ever came down to it). I digress. . .so- I mention the trouble with the birth control suspecting they have encountered hang ups such as these, and also fully expecting the center to be able to provide another months worth of anti baby makers considering I have to be on it for THEM anyway. Her voice gets frantic when I tell her I started my sugar pill because APPARENTLY: i.wasnt.supposed.to.do.that.

I promise lady- I always got 5’s in school for listening and following directions. I don’t know how I missed the part about immediately starting the next pill pack instead of starting the sugar pills.

Luckily my OBGYN rocks and gave me a sample pack due to the emergent situation. However, apparently now I may have bumped my “cycle” forward 2 weeks—which is very scarily encroaching on my “black out dates” aka: week in San Diego.

I have my fingers crossed that once the retrieval process is in full swing, I will be less stressed by everything but who knows.

Until then- there will be lots of candy eating and whooosaaaahhing.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

not.running.

2011-06-17T14:17:00.000-04:00

If you haven't caught on already. . .my running and serious gym dedication went downhill fast after the spartan race. My GAlovey had to momentarily marry her job and my job all of a sudden required more energy and time than usual-- leading to the ultimate demise of my routine gym visits. It’s pretty lame. And I’m totally not proud of it. I’ve casually mentioned needing a running coach to LBS over the passing weeks- hoping at some point he’d totally go for it. The thing is he’s witnessed my ability to take charge of fitness and has zero tolerance for whining or excuses. On top of all that- in the mean time, he’s totally become a runner! Other than some track and field days back in his elementary years, he’s never been our standard run of the mill “runner”. He’s been a varsity soccer player and medal'ed swimmer. . .but not a runner. And yet, he’s the one lacing up and heading out the door in the 90 degree heat for an almost 5K loop. Without me. Almost every single night. Yeah for him, but I’m totally jealous!

Time to get my butt back in the game. For real. I keep saying I’m going to do it and I don’t. UGH

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

grateful

2011-06-16T15:34:00.000-04:00

A year ago I was lying in a hospital bed, doped up on way too many painkillers that weren't touching the pain, being practically held down by nurses while one attending attempted to get coffee grounds out of my eye and another began the debridement my second and third degree burns.

I was told there was a possibility I would never see out of my left eye again.

That I may need grafting and that I most likely will always be scarred.

I went through days of torturous cornea specialist visits and burn clinic trips. Fortunately was told I didn't need grafting. Endured weeks of bedrest and spent the entire summer avoiding the outdoors and especially: the sun.

It has been entire year. An incredibly rewarding year. A year of healing and resting and AMAZING support from the best of friends and family and miracle worker doctors.

I never in A MILLION years would have imagined healing as well as I did- but somehow WE all pulled it off!

I'm so grateful. And lucky. And happy to have that year behind me and underneath my continuing growth of life!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

blog about it

2011-06-14T13:04:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been as long as it has since I've blogged.

I've been wondering what the heck my problem is lately and I've narrowed it down to these issues:

Work has just been too busy for me to sneak a lookey look at ANYones posts. . .and I'm an all or nothing kinda gal. If I can't read even one, then I don't read any. . .which means I don't even log on to write.

Also- part of the problem is that I'm sort of having a blog-personality crisis. It's funny, this blog didn't start off as an exercise blog, but it turned into one pretty easily. And I sorta of started missing and feeling bad about neglecting my old blogging habits. . .BUT I also didn't want to migrate away from writing all about my gym and food and healthy life! So- I just didn't write anything I guess.

Lastly-- I CAN'T stand our computer set up at home! Our desktop is facing a cornered wall and our desk chair is broken (it looks high enough to be level with the desk and then you sit on it and it sinks). We really need to invest in a new laptop/iPad sometime soon so I can get back into stalking and commenting and writing in the mornings or evenings like the good ole days. There just seems to be expense after expense that we've had to prioritize over a laptop.

So. . .I need to come up with a happy medium for my lack of blogging life. I feel like such a major part of my life is missing!!! Time to get back in business! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

just another random thursday!

2011-06-02T14:47:00.000-04:00

It's flipping hot here. And I mean hot.

Check out those temperatures. How is a girl supposed to train for a half marathon in those conditions? YIKES!! Even at 530AM- HELLO 75 degrees!! CRAAAAZINESS I tell you! It's great for pool time though, I know that much!! I'll be crisp and glowing in no time!!

I got my package in the mail from Carrie (did I tell you I got it Carrie?)

What an awesome giveaway huh? There was nothing bad about receiving this little gem in the mail at all!! I need to reciprocate the awesomeness by having my own giveaway here soon! Let me work on that.

Please pardon my inability to stalk all your blogs AND BLOG lately.
Obamacare doesn't CARE about my CRAZY need to keep up with blogs, plus I'm currently in a state of melting. Hard to be blog friendly with all that (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

random!!

2011-05-27T13:24:00.001-04:00

This morning I booked LBS and my tickets to SAN DIEGO to see the famous JAWBREAKER and her hubby. She and I are running a half marathon 2 days after we get there and then we are going to VACATION our little butts off for the rest of the week if we can still walk!! Even though she's one of my very best friends, we haven't seen each other in WAY too long and this trip is VERY overdue!

I totally keep forgetting to share about our debt payoff journey. I paid off my ENTIRE credit card recently!! Man does it feel good to throw that thing away FOREVER!!

I've been in the gym almost everyday this week. Spinning, running, and lifting. Feels so good to get back into the swing of things!!! Do you need a little kick in the butt or some guidance? PhysicalFix is offering a 14 day trial of their exercise plan, food journal, nutrition, weight loss program!!! Their site is awesome and can be molded into whatever you're capable of or are shooting for!! Check it out!

Last night we lost power for WAY to long because of the crazy storms. It's amazing how much we depend on things that PLUG in and it's even more amazing how frustrating it is when we can't access them!!

I LOVE this awesome video! Reminds me of all the awesome hard working athletic women out there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pArxa3EEqyI

THREE DAY WEEKEND!! what what! CAN'T wait for the beautiful 3 day weekend!!! The weather is perfect for BBQing and POOL!!! yeah!

What are y'all doing?!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

challenges galore!

2011-05-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

I've started and restarted the 100 push up challenge too many times to count now! But, going along with my getting back on the horse, I mapped out my entire week of fitness this week, and will do the same for next week and hopefully keep it going on and on and on! ( I spun for the first time in 3 weeks today- OUCH!!)

SO- I will most certainly be fitting the 100 push up challenge into the plan starting next week!

In case that plus the spartan 30 day challenge wasn't enough, I decided to join the sugar free challenge. I've read a couple of bloggers who succeeded with it for a week or so, and now I'm reading about those that are going to try it for 10 days starting in June.

Do you need something else to fill the time you know you don't have? If you do- check out these challenges and maybe even join in!! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

featured

2011-05-25T13:12:00.000-04:00

Most of you already read my detailing of the spartan race but I was very excited to see that I was featured as the Spartan Race Tuesday "Get chicked" racer! (; AND of course- I had to share!

Check it out!!

And if you haven't checked out spartan races yet, you most certainly should!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

she's baaaaack!!!

2011-05-23T17:03:00.001-04:00

THE GALOVEY is back from Jamaica! FINALLY!! WAHOO! I now have even more reason to not like that place- it took my other other half away from me for a week!

Although first and foremost I am happy that she's back and that I was able to see her, I am most happy for my motivation in the GYM to be back!

Yesterday we went to Pilates! Yes! LOVE sore muscles!
and then grabbed some froyo! mmmm! while mapping out our week in the gym!
BOY did it feel good to know we were getting back on our A game in the muscles department! (;

We also went to the farmers market. Which is really the most amazing place EVER. (Besides some other places.) I keep meaning to take pictures of it for all of you but there are signs that say not to take pictures so I have to muster up some courage to break the rules.

Basically it has anything you could ever dream of wanting in a veggie, meat, fish, spice, alcohol, nut. . . and the best thing is that it's international! So there is SO MUCH stuff you've never even heard of but should try! It's also a FRACTION of the cost of grocery store prices for most things. So it's just AMAZING all around!

Tonight we have abs and glutes planned! I'm excited for more BURN!

Congrats on all you racers this weekend!!
Go check some of them out and say congrats here, here and here!!
OH AND I won an awesome giveaway from the always adorable CARRIE. If you don't follow her yet, go do it because she has awesome stories and her giveaway from FANTABULOUS!

WorkDay 1/7 down. Bring on the rest!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

30 day challenge WOD#3

2011-05-20T20:07:00.000-04:00

WOD: Tabata anyone?

w/u: jump rope for 5 minutes
Four exercises - 20 seconds as hard as you can go, 10 second rest. Repeat 8 times.
- Burpees
- Suicide Planks (push up position-->elbows-->push up position again)
- Front squats
- Dips
After:
- 30 minute tempo run
- Ten minute cooldown
GOOD LUCK!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

HOLY EVENING OF AWESOMENESS!!

2011-05-20T13:59:00.000-04:00

Last night there was a book signing/conversation with Laura Dave and Emily Giffin at the Barnes and Noble near my house. I LOVE Emily Giffin obviously and Laura Dave is just too adorable and fun not to love as well, but I was totally hesitant to join the masses of people that I assumed would be at this event.

LUCKILY Biffle convinced me to go because it was SO SUPER FUN!!!

ANNNND because it was a cozy little turn out and Emily and Laura brought us out for drinks after the convo.

If you have to read that sentence again, I understand. I still can't believe it!

Emily (duh- we're on a first name basis now) is absolutely genuine and super fun! She attempted to show me how to take a "professional picture". But it was an epic fail. . .it may have had something to do with me standing next to her glamified beautiful self in my GYM outfit!!!!!

And Laura couldn't get any more adorably kind. I am a super stalker, major fan of hers now!! (;

There are few things worth skipping the season finale of grey's anatomy for. THIS was most certainly ONE OF THEM!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

WOD DAY 2

2011-05-19T15:47:00.000-04:00

Today is day #2 of the 30 DAY Spartan Challenge

If you want to come along for the ride the workout is:

Structure Fartlek (2-4-6-4-2)
'hard' = above lactate threshold/race pace/NOT conversation pace
10 min w/u
...
2 min hard
1 min jog
4 min hard
2 min jog
6 min hard
3 min jog
4 min hard
2 min jog
2 min hard
1 min jog
(repeat as needed)
10 min c/d

and if that isn't enough of a workout for you- you can add on yesterday's workout (and then bury yourself and send out the invitations for your funeral)

5 rounds for time:

Run 800 meters
15 Dumbell thrusters
15 Pull Ups

FEEL THE BURN!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

getting back on the horse

2011-05-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

I did! force myself into the gym Monday night and managed to pull off 2.5 miles on the tMill and even went to an abs and glutes class.

Yesterday I was super sore. WHY DO I NOT TAKE THE DANG TIME TO STRETCH!?! I swear I will get into the habit of it someday.

Last night I had dinner plans with the other half so I did nothing in the way of exercising. Unless bringing food to your mouth counts.

TONIGHT we have plans AGAIN and I'm kicking myself for there being another day without a work out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and this morning, on the way to work the failure blurb was looming over my head:
"Maybe I need to accept easing back into things." (easing back into what from what?!)
"Maybe I need to find a pony to get up on instead of a horse." (LAME!)
"This is getting ridic." (well then DO something about it!)
"The GALOVEY needs to get back from Jamaica so we can get our butts back in the gym everyday." (ummm, how about we not put the blame of our exercise fate into another person)
"I seem to be great at making excuses about NOT working out. Like dinner plans, or not wanting to shower/wash my hair again, or pretty.much.anything.it.seems. Why didn't I get up this morning and work out? Oh- because that would have required me to have actually thought about doing it and apparently it wasn't on my function radar!!!"

Once I was at work and so diligently working (and somehow checking twitter and blogs and facebook at the same time) I came across some inspiration:

"Nonrunners cannot see how they can afford the time to run every day. But runners cannot imagine getting through a single day without it."

Kevin Nelson

And a spartan challenge. ( which looked to fun to pass up (; )

And Blonde Ponytails INCREDIBLE post outlining our community's never ending support.

And BloggerMD's quest for a plan for her next marathon.

And a bunch of other things that I can't remember now. BUT what I took away was that:

Goals are important and useful. So- I'm gonna make a plan. and I'm gonna stick with it! And I'm gonna stop being a non exercised whiner.

I never in a million years would have imagined so many ups and downs would occur while trying to kick my butt into awesome shape. But, like I've said before- I didn't major in crystal balling either (;

time to go find me a horse!

inspiration. . .expiration. .

mini rant

2011-05-17T15:03:00.001-04:00

I have to go on a mini tirade for one second here- I apologize in advance.

WE all love our blog world and love our comments and stalking tons of blogs and leaving comments.
I DO NOT however LOVE word verification.

Is there that much comment spam out there that doesn't get filtered? Really? Am I missing the point?

I still read all of you word verification bloggers, don't you worry. . . and I try my darndest to comment on all of them! BUT I'm pretty dang sure I X out immediately following "posting" my comment half the time, resulting in my comment not being left because I forget about the dang verification process.

I'm not mad at all you funny word bloggers!! More annnoyed and mad at myself for not being patient and seeing if I have to verify that silly made up word before moving onto my next blog.

Thoughts anyone?
Do those of you that have it even remember that it's there?

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS YET?!
SUPER ADORABLE L&L- you will love everything she has in her arms that she's generously
GIVING AWAY!!
and if you're LUCKY you could also enter and win this awesome:

giveaway from the still cute as can be CARRIE

and then you'll have to do an extra workout from all the goodies they have for you!! (;

so for that you should enter the upper body beauty- Vanessa's 100 push up challenge giveaway!!

GOOD LUCK!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

egg donation: in limbo

2011-05-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

The egg donation people called: A couple chose my profile as a donor for their fertilization process.

When the regional manager lets you know the news- they ask you AGAIN if it’s something you’re still interested in doing. I told mine that, yes- I was still interested. She let me know that I would be receiving an enormous package with all of the steps I needed to immediately involve myself in to get the process rolling.

I received my packet (boy she wasn’t kidding about enormous).

The first step is to read over the 90 million page contract between the intended parents and donor and then the 80 million page contract between the donation company and donor.

The second step is to contact the attorney (hired by the intended parents) and sit on the phone with him for an hour and half to go over the contract between donor and intended parents.

The third step is to contact the clinic providing the medical procedures to answer a series of question (that you’ve already answered on your original profile)

I’ve done those 3 things and now we’re at a little bit of a standstill. The clinic was alarmed by my level of exercise and are supposed to call me back with my specific limitations. They said they’re pretty positive I will not be allowed to run or exercise for 3 weeks. . .and I told them depending on the limitations I may not be able to actually donate.

So mentally/emotionally, now- I’m stuck. I still really want to do it but I’ve already agreed to do a half marathon in August and I have plans for some 5 and 10Ks this summer as well as the Super Spartan in June. Part of me feels like I should just suck it up and abide to whatever restrictions they give me. . .it’s not like I’m running these races for PRs or anything. I feel bad backing out now, knowing the intended parents are probably psyched they found a donor!! But I also am going to feel like I wasted a race if I’m not trained properly for it.

Nothing about the process is set in stone-legally finalized-there’s not going back now, until I sign all the contracts and send them in. Which I haven’t done yet.

I guess all this worrying and wondering is part of what they pay so much for!!

Yikes. . .

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

2 weeks

2011-05-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

Today marks the dreadful 2 week mark of: NO EXERCISE!

Between our little trip and recovering from the Spartan race- I just haven't the energy or the time. MAJOR SADFACE!

I'm FORCING myself to go to an abs and glutes class tonight. Alone! (sadface again, but the GALOVEY is in JAMAICA. What a butthead she is!)

LBS and I decided that we're going to do the SuperSpartan in South Carolina on June 25th, which means I NEED TO GET MY BUTT IN GEAR!

The super spartan is 4 more miles of h-e-doublehockeysticks than the sprint was. Please remind me how much fun I said I had because I'm kicking myself right now!

YIKES!!!

check out the super adorable Carrie and her awesome blog and super fun GIVEAWAY!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

surprise weekend came back!!!

2011-05-13T20:08:00.000-04:00

The drafts came back the very next day! WAHOO!!

here's the missing post:

I've been using all my free time to catch up on the 5 gajillion entries I missed over the weekend. I'm totally overwhelmed and feel completely disconnected from all of you. So terrifying! UGH (;

In light of how much reading I still have left to do, this is going to be as quick as possible.

Thursday:
Woke up and went to get our massages! (Why don't I do that more often!!??)
Got some yummy flying biscuit grub!!
Left super duper early for the airport because of all the security warnings. . .(we may or may not have spent a fortune on food and drinks at the airport because we may or may not have gotten TO THE AIRPORT and THROUGH SECURITY with 3 hours to spare)
Made our connection in Detroit (barely) AND Vermont for our weekend of SURPRISES (everyone loves a good surprise!!)
My awesomely amazing SIL let us crash her house at midnight even though she has 3 kids under the age of 8 that were all snoozing.

Friday:
LBS and I got our payback EARLY the next morning as the miggies anxiously ran around upstairs hoping it was time to pigpile us!! Their cute little hopping feet were too hard to resist!! LOVE THEM!
After getting up andadam we headed out to meet up with my sisters, biffle and figgy! to get all the groceries for the surprise party on Saturday and run a million more errands.
Once we got everything done- we picked up Chinese and headed to our close family friends house where my parents were expecting to have dinner with THEM.
My mom's reaction when 4 of her 5 kids (sad face my brother is still tending to his airforce duties and couldn't make it) was: "WHAT THE SH*T". Followed my shaking crying and bear hugs galore. She couldn't believe we all showed up for her graduation the next morning (little did she know. . .)

Surprise number one: check.

Saturday:
We all woke up super early to get ready and head out for her graduation (she decided to get another degree just for fun- no big deal).
While we were all at graduation, Biffle and LBS set up my parents house for a surprise 30th wedding anniversary party/graduation party for my mom/50th birthday party for both my parents. THANK GOD for all the people that held it together back at the ranch.
Graduation was way too long (as they always are) but we rushed my parents to the car and convinced them to head straight home. My mom called her brother on the way (who was on his way to THEIR HOUSE) to tell him about her graduation. I may or may not have peed my pants spazing out that he was going to slip and say "see you in a little bit". But he didn't. Phew.
As we drove up our long driveway my mom started sputtering about how many cars were there and that she recognized them. . .Biffle had organized everyone to go outside for our arrival and when my mom put 2 & 40 (people) together the car started shaking from her exuberant weeping of joyous recognition. She AND my dad's ENTIRE family had shown up to surprise them for the party.

They were so shocked, and so happy!! I was pretty proud to be their kid in that moment, and so happy and relieved to pull off not 1 but 2 surprises!!! WE ROCK!

Sunday:
Figgy's 2nd birthday party (why is she already so big dangit) Cupcakes and a bounce house!! Why don't I attend more little kid parties!?!
Mother's day dinner (where my sister and I got in to a huge blowout fight. classy eh? word to the wise, no matter your opinion of your siblings- mothers day dinner is not the time to duke it out.)

Monday:
Family breakfast.
Lunch with Crutters!!!
My mom got me new oakleys for running!
And then we started our journey back home.

Yikes! Holy whirlwind weekend. I love being home, and it was so great to surprise my parents- but I cannot wait for an ACTUAL vacation!!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

surprise weekend

2011-05-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

I was hoping my drafts would reappear but it seems that they are not going to.

My surprise weekend draft fully detailed how awesome it all was and I can't bring myself to type it again b/c it won't be nearly as awesome.

SO here's the bottom line:

We flew to Vermont to surprise my parents x2!

My mom was graduating with another degree (she apparently LOVEs going to school on top of being a mother to 5, grandmother to 3, daughter to her mom (who lives with them), wife and full time researcher of cures for terrible diseases and other medical catastrophes--noBIGdeal!) So- when we surprised them with our presence in the state Friday night- they thought we (the 4 of us that could make it- sadface my brother that is still doing his military biznazz wasn't there) came for the graduation!

LITTLE DID THEY KNOW!!

They came home from graduation to a house filled with all their families and friends to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary/50th birthdays!

WAHOO FOR US pulling off awesome surprises, and awesome party and a great weekend!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

ughhhhhh

2011-05-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

So blogger apparently hasn't been working correctly. I've been trying and trying to log on and it keeps saying the site is down.

FINALLY I can log on but every entry that was a "draft" is gone ): Major sad face!!

I guess the surprise weekend update is gone for good. Thanks blogger.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

excuse me while I find my brain

2011-05-10T11:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a weekend FULL of surprises. . .which is why I've been completely MIA. (dang I have a lot of reading to catch up on tonight!!)

We flew to Vermont Thursday night to be able to show up to SURPRISE my mom at her graduation [another degree under her belt] and also throw my parents a SURPRISE 30th wedding anniversary party!!

I don't feel like I have stopped since we woke up Thursday morning!

Once I dig my desk out from under all the paperwork that's piled up- I will catch up on bloggy world and give a full update on the awesome weekend!!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

spartan aftermath

2011-05-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

If you didn't figure it out from my last post: the race was amazing!!

Obviously, in a sick and twisted, obsessed with exercising, being beaten and surpassing any goals we made sort of way (;

When the GALOVEY and I pulled ourselves through the first muddy, barbed wire pit and stopped at the top of the hill, we both looked down and examined our mud and blood covered leg and victoriously proclaimed our first drawn blood of the run! Part of it was the adrenaline and inner Spartan talking, but most of it was our guts and glory of what we had accomplished so far as well as what we knew we were about to finish!

Even though we're all still soooo very bruised and cut and scraped and messy,

(people inquire about what happened to us in a very concerned and worried tone)

we've got spartan fever and can't wait for our next mud/obstacle run. This was the first race EVER for LBS, GALOVEY and her LOVEY and they're totally hooked. I'm amazed that such a torturous race could have possibly hooked them. But I know, deep down its the victory and sense of accomplishment that has fueled their fire to keep trucking onto the next finish line!

GALOVEY and I went to an abs and glutes class monday night and realized it was way too soon to be back in the gym, but we're itching for some BURN!!!

WISH us some faster healing so we can get back at it!! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

and then we survived to tell about it. . .

2011-05-01T12:28:00.000-04:00

Woke up.
Ate half a PBJ.
Scrambled to get everything together and into the car.
Headed out on our one hour drive.
Got to Conyers.
Awed by the run location and the whole shindig.
Seeing parts of the course, wondering what we're doing there.

AHHH!!!:

Stripped down to running clothes.
Downed some energy jelly beans.
Jumped around to get PSYCHED!!

Met up at the volunteer tent to register, get number tattoos, chips and directions.

Wandered around MORE in awe at the production of Spartan Race and the hundreds of fans and runners.
Lined up at the starting line where some jamming music was blasting, fans were already screaming and the announcer was introducing Hobie (the man that's attempting to win every Spartan series race). He is an animal!!!! (He won with a 30 minute ish time)

And WE'RE OFF.

Less than 20 ft out of the starting gate are 4 or 5 hurdles in 6 inches of mud that you have to get over while being doused with a fire house.
Then we're (GALOVEY, her lovey and I) ACTUALLY off on the trail. The beautiful, amazingly awesome trail. (LBS and DP are way ahead)
In come lots of hills and narrow winding trails.
Next obstacle: Over, Under, Through x2: Scale a wall, go under a wall then climb through tires that are about 5 ft in the air. Twice.
More hilly trail running.
Run down huge hill into 25 yd giant mudpit with barbed wire pulled a foot across the top of it. Crawl through and run up giant hill. GALOVEY and I stop at the top to assess the damage to our legs-- blood streaming down both of us.
More trail running.
Run into 10 ft flat plywood wall.
Wonder how the freak we're going to get over it.
GALOVEY's lovey comes to the rescue and buddy lifts us to the top. At the top I wonder how the flip I'm going to get to the ground. Swinging on over, I slam into the wall but am able to jump to the ground.
Hilly trail running.
Come to river. . .river is marked as the course. Awesome.
Trudge through the river for about 1/4 of a mile. It was waist deep at times and so muddy.
Once we're out of the water we're on a straight incline, windy trail running. No idea how long it's been so far.
Obstacle: Climb up and over cargo net
Back on the trail.
FINALLY come up on the 1/2-2/3 mark: water station and obstacle.
2x4s zigzagged (on their 2 inch side) to form a 6-8 board balance beam. If you fall off you have to do 30 burpees. GAlovey rocked it. I fell off, but got back on and finished.
More trail running.
See huge pile of dirt with 10 gallon buckets. Directed to fill bucket with dirt to the top and carry bucket 50 yards up a giant hill, back down the hill and empty bucket.
Steepest, windiest trail running of the entire course. WE ARE DEAD. dead. dead!
Run into flat are where "horse pull" is set up. Pick up a rope tied to a cinder block and pull it around a 1/16 of a mile circle.
Back on the trail.
Over onto twice the size of the last one- cargo net.
Up and over and we're back on our feet running.
Crawl under 50 yds of tarp covered metal tent. HOLY SAUNA!!
Insert the trail again.
BUT WE CAN HEAR THE FINISH LINE!!!
Run down into another 25 yd barbed wire covered pit of mud. Crawl through
Run up to "javelin throw". We all miss.

We're all on the ground for 30 burpees.
The next obstacle is immediate.
Scale a plywood wall vertically using tiny slices of 2x4 as grips.

(I know it probably doesn't look that hard, but your past exhaustion at this point. It's pretty impossible to hold on with such shakey arms and legs)
Luckily, I went so super slow and made it.
The rest of 'em didn't. And were sentenced to:
30 more burpees.
Directly next to this is the last formed obstacle.
Plywood on an angle with ropes hanging down to assist in climbing over. The plywood is covered in soapy water.
Get over that and run though the jousting SPARTANs TO THE FINISH LINE!!!

Done and muddy, and sweaty and bloody and dead!
But so happy to have finished!!! I'm pretty sure I finished in less than 90 minutes. Which is awhile, I know, for around 4 miles. . . but it's awesome for this kind of course running!!

I wish I had more pictures of the other obstacles. . .maybe once the professional pictures come out I will. We volunteered to man the stations of the last 2 obstacles after the race- which is why I have those ones!

(no tears were shed in the making of these photos)

Even though we all look and feel like the devil used us for batting practice:

(check out that flip flop burn- YOWZA)

We had such a blast and can't wait to do another race!! Who would have thought?!! You should DEF sign up for one!!!!!

Now we anxiously wait for our times and professional pictures!!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

fair warning.

2011-04-29T14:29:00.001-04:00

Dear Body-

First and foremost, whatever happens tomorrow- I apologize greatly for willingly putting you through the resemblances of H-E double hockey sticks. I am very very sorry.

Second, I just want to give you fair warning of what you’re in for.

You will be getting up at the buttcrack of dawn and attempt to put on some sort of outfit to run in- one that you don’t care about ruining. You’ll have to down a fairly energizing breakfast. You should probably make sure it’s nothing that will be completely nasty if you end up puking your face off halfway through the race. After the hour long drive to there, your nerves will probably already be shot, but the amazing group of friends you’re going with will keep you cheery and hopefully somewhat distracted. You’ll grab your bib, and chip and line up at the starting line where the 80 degree sun will be pounding on your back. You’ll run through mud, scale slimy walls, crawl under barbed wire, do hundreds of pushups and burpees, “rock climb” over plywood, be knocked to the ground by super Spartans, ask LBS to carry you multiple times, probably throw up, convince yourself there’s no way you can finish and then talk yourself out of the negative thoughts. There is a possibility of fire jumping, but I heard something about a fire ban in the State Parks, so maybe not. You’ll want to quit, you’ll want to cry, you’ll wonder W!T!heck! you got yourself into and you’ll swear you’ll never, ever, ever do it again. You’ll have to remind yourself that you’ve finished races you never thought you could, you completed an EIGHT HOUR black belt test, that you’re strong, and totally capable of mind over matter. You’ll probably barely be walking when you get to the end of the course.

But you’ll finish. You WILL finish all 4 miles of trail and obstacles to cross that finish line—be it, covered in blood, sweat, tears and mud! You’ll be dawned your Spartan medal to match the perma grin, symbolizing your victory for the rest of the day.

You’ll grab some snackable fuel, liquid energy and your volunteer tshirt, only to head back onto the course to man the volunteer station that paid for your race entry. For 5 or so more hours, you’ll watch other ~~crazyass~~ fearlessly amazing runners barge their way through the course, cheering them on while sunscreen and sweat pour into your eyes. Somewhere in between all that, you’ll enjoy your promised beer. Hopefully it’ll be a cold one! (;

After the entire race is over you’ll find the people in charge of the breakdown and figure out what you’re supposed to do to help, because you signed up for that too. You’ll get to hang out with some of the masterminds behind this insane sporting event while chomping down some sort of dinner and probably more beer. You’ll wonder, for the umpteenth time what you’ve gotten yourself into. Hopefully at this point, you’re brain will have done its job by forgetting the pain it endured and you’ll probably tell the Spartan Peeps you’ll be ready for the next one.

Around 9 or 10pm (if you’re still walking & functioning) you’ll head back to the city for a celebration.

You’ll feel pretty flipping awesome for finishing the first milestone in your ‘back to fitness challenge’. You’ll feel pretty dang special, and you’ll deserve all the credit you’ll give yourself.

Good luck; you’re gonna need it.

Love and inspiration,
Your mind.

still thirsty on thursday!

2011-04-28T16:55:00.000-04:00

In honor of the ~~I'm going to die on Saturday~~ Spartan Race

Miami Spartan Smoothie
Splash of lemon juice
½ cup coconut milk
Juice of 1/2 a grapefruit (share the other half with a friend)
1/2 cup fresh orange or tangerine juice
2 tablespoons Agave nectar
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Small handful of almonds
1 frozen banana (they blend better when frozen)
1/2 cup ice cubes
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse, until desired consistency. Enjoy!

Let me know how awesome it is! (;

In between tornado enduced power outages, I've been vigorously stalking spartan facebook and the spartan blog to see the pictures and words and videos (check out Jon's awesome footage) following the Super Spartan in Miami last week. I really don't know why I haven't been practicing my burpees!!??

THE GALOVEY (who's never been a competitor and was unknowingly signed up by MOI for this race) somehow has kept an infections attitude about it all so far. IN her words today: "I will lay down and take a nap if I have to!"

We shall see!

inspiraion. . .expiration. . .

shortie short shorts

2011-04-27T13:44:00.000-04:00

I can't seem to find a pair of running shorts that I don't end up fiddling with the entire run.

I have about 9 different branded shorts and NOT one pair of them is one that I put on and think "ahh, these are my favorite running shorts!"

I'm so frustrated with:

Pulling them down between my thighs.
Worrying my rear is falling out the back.
Tightening the draw string so they don't fall down.
Readjusting the band as they turn sideways.
Tucking the extra poochy bit of fabric on the front of the shorts, under the waistband.

UGH.

The main problem is my body has changed a lot over the last couple months. My hips and butt are no longer the shape of a couch and my thighs have these bulgy muscle things growing out of them again. Strange.
I think, also- my brain still hasn't comprehended that I am anything smaller than a medium running bottom either.

SOOO WHO HAS A PAIR OF shorts that they LOVE?! I'm open to hear all suggestions and will be spending a fortune on this shorts that work adventure! So thanks for input in advance!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

2fer 2sday part 2

2011-04-26T15:17:00.000-04:00

part uno:

I GOT CONTACTS THIS MORNING!!!

My eye dr GODS have been trying to find contacts that work with my "healing" eyes as well as my terrible astigmatism for a long time now. It seems like they finally found a pair THAT WORK! I CAN SEE!!! WITHOUT GLASSES!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE LAST JUNE!

This is especially exciting considering there was no way a pair of glasses would survive Spartan on Saturday!

Part TWO:

I haven't heard anything back about the egg donation. She called and said there was a couple interested and that it would be a local cycle (which means I wouldn't have to travel to their state for the harvesting) and that she'd be calling back within the next few weeks.

But, nothing.

I'm ok with it going either way--I decided that I for sure made the decision to do it. At this point, I guess it's in the hands of a couple in need. Maybe that couple chose a different donor? Who knows.

If I hear anything. . .I'll update for sure. (:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

quick weekend recap

2011-04-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY:

I GOT a gift certificate for a MASSAGE!!! LBS and I are going to go together after SPARTAN!!! YES!

Round one of easter deliveries. CANDY and presents. My life is complete.

( LBS's momma fed into my 'raffe obsession! YEAH!! (; )

I found some cool bumper stickers that I wanted (this is the only picture that worked though boo)

(I wish I could have ripped it off for LBS)

SATURDAY:

The GALOVEYs invited me to go pick out the setting for GALOVEYs GINORMOUS rock! She found the PERFECT SETTING!!! AND the jewelry store served us wine while we shopped. I don't think I could have been a happier girl!!! I will post pics once she gets it!! (;

I attended my nieces 7th birthday via SKYPE. OH how I love technology!!

I also spent about 3 hours and way too much money grocery shopping because I'm the worst domestic partner ever and we had literally nothing but spaghetti squash in the house. (which is totally fine for me! haha)

SUNDAY:

I made banana oatmeal pancakes for Easter breakfast before LBS headed to work.

Then farmer's market with the GALOVEY. That place is absolutely amazing. I just fall more and more in love everytime I go!!

After, I ran outside. WOW.

Seriously, WTheckYO!!? It was horrific!!!

(I'm not even sure how that "current pace" is correct. I must have had a sudden spurt of energy from NOWHERE!)

(I pretty much walked the last .53 miles because it was a 99.8889% incline back to the house. . .and my footsies were barkin!)

Needless to say, I am not prepared for Saturday. Say your goodbyes now.

LBS got out of work early and decided we should go out since we haven't been able to in forever!!

SO we went out for sushi. NOMNUMNOM! (;

We came home and watched the movie Skyline. Which was absolutely terrible. I mean seriously seriously terrible! Don't even waste $1 on it!!!

THEN-

It was monday too fast. boo. BUT the easter bunny came again!! and brought more candy!!!!!

(look at all that amazingness. DIRTY PEEPS AKA: DARK CHOCOLATE COVERED PEEPS. I want to hug whoever invented THOSE!!!!)

And now it's already Tuesday. YIKES!!!

Here's a little Tuesday randomness for a sec:

Have you ever not been able to "find" someone in their bed? I came back into our bedroom after a shower the other morning and was surprised to see that LBS had "woken up". I went out to the living room and then kitchen only to find them empty, making for a very confused me. So I went back to the bedroom . . . LBS was still in the bed. How did I miss that bed hog!? It totally didn't look like he was in there!

(it's not even like he's a little guy!!)

How's your Tuesday?

Doesn't it seem like April FLEW BY!?

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

one week

2011-04-23T12:37:00.000-04:00

One week from now I will be racing the spartan sprint. My first serious running since wayyy to long ago.

I'm nervous. as all get up.

I've been under the impression it was a 5k until I read the fine print and found out it was actually closer to 4 miles.
Lovely considering I've really only been running 5ks and under lately.
I've 1.5% inclined the tMill almost every day in hopes that it will acclimate my legs to outdoor running a little bit more than no incline.
I still haven't run outside. Except for once. and it was the lamest excuse for picking up my legs quickly in a forward motion that I've ever seen. So, I scared myself into sticking to the tMill for now.

Hopefully LBS and I can stick together as much as possible. He never gives up on anything and will be the amazing voice of reason that he always is to get me to that finish line. Most likely he'll be lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying me through the obstacles too I'm pretty sure!

Yikes! Gotta find some postive energy for this soon!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

teartime

2011-04-22T15:33:00.001-04:00

I've never been a crier.
Probably due to the brick walls I've put up all my life, but who really knows?!

My mom is a freakin' SOBBBBBBBER. Like shakes the couch, goes through millions of tissues. CRIES AT THE DROP OF A HAT- sobbbbbber. I used to wonder if I'd ever be like that.

Recently, over the past year or so, I've come pretty close.
I honestly believe there's something about being absolutely madly in love and effortlessly happy that sparks a continuum of tears. My heart is full and mushy now. (;

I just read Kara's account of the Boston Marathon at my desk and had to spend 4 minutes in the bathroom attempting to fix my destroyed makeup. She broke my heart, and then mended it with her infectious enthusiasm, generous resilience and brave efforts. How does she do it!? If you're currently holding personal hero tryouts-- she's an amazing contender!

So, I uh- think I'm officially a crier. Interesting.

inspiration. . .expiration

thirsty thursday

2011-04-21T21:08:00.000-04:00

Today's yummmalicious drink is brought to you by the freakin adorablest LUNGES&LASHES:

Protein Shake:
Protein
1/2 banana
1 TB chia seed
1/4 cup almond milk
cinnamon
vanilla
water

I've often heard people say "don't drink your calories!!" But I hope you know when we're talking about recovery drinks and protein supplementing. . .YOU'RE GOOD TO GO! Drink drink away!

Any delicious 2for1 slurpup (drink+nutrients) is an A in my book.

Let me know if you like it!! And let Mrs. L&L know too (:

Today's workout:
I proposed to the GALOVEY to make sure I still fit in her heart. All those emotions sure burned a lot of calories (; (;
2.5mi at rando speeds.
upper body lifting
streeeeeeeeeeeeeeetching.

I'm getting super scared for Spatan. Yikes.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

so, uh this is kinda cool

2011-04-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago the editor of the spartan blog somehow bumped into my blog.
She asked me to write as a guest blogger for the spartan blog.
I was pretty honored, and I agreed to do it!
Even though I had no idea what to write, she accepted and posted my "draft".

Although I know I'm a dork!! I still feel a little silly about it. At the same time, I feel a little special!! (:

so:
check it out!!
and share the spartan love!!! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

2fer 2sday

2011-04-19T15:37:00.000-04:00

2fer 2sday means 2 part entry!

Part one:

My new life as a practically single gal the week before aunt flo comes for a visit really has me down in the dumps. I'm doing a really bad job at sucking this up and not being a baby about the whole thing. LBS works 14 hour days and I'm the one complaining. Yeah, that makes total sense.

Luckily he somehow understands the need to meet my monthly quota of temper tantrums, saw my pain yesterday and snuck in some time to meet me for lunch at our favorite place to eat.

WHOLE FOODS!:

(I don't even know what all that is but it was flippin delish)

After work, I spent a couple hours at the gym (2.5 mi. @ 1.5 incline, abs and glutes class, 45 mins arms/upper body) just so I wouldn't have to be home alone for very long. As if it's scary there or something (it's most definitely not).

Luckily my amazing salad making skills + chocolate milk can curb pretty much any foul mood my pre-little red riding hood alternate personality decides to become.

I decided today (after hearing about someone getting the kind of dog LBS and I want so bad!) that I NEEDED ONE! To help with my SLS (sudden loneliness syndrome of course). Apparently LBS has better self control and priorities that are far more intelligent (and adorable) than mine. BLAH HIM! hehe

(I freaking laughed hysterically at my desk when I read his response. [that's nacho- his childhood dog! she's so cute!!] )

TONIGHT- I finally get to see the GALOVEY for a girls night din din post QUESTION POPPING! I hope everyone around us doesn't mind lots of screeching!! (: ((: (((: ((((: !!!

Part deux:

I got a call about egg donation. A couple selected my profile. I never actually thought it would happen. Which poses a little bit of a problem. . .b/c now it's real and I'm not gonna lie- I didn't think and plan this far into it.

I'm not sure how my parents are going to take it. LBS def is a little apprehensive about it.

Even though I just think the cause it too good to pass up, I'm nervous.

hmph.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

MARATHON MONDAY!!!!

2011-04-18T12:24:00.000-04:00

So. . . . Kara didn't win. sadface x 10000000000.
BUT she placed 2nd overall for American women and 5th overall in the women's division.

HOLY CRAP AWESOME!!

I obviously was rooting hardcore for Ryan Hall as well. And he finished 1st overall for American men and 3rd overall in the men's division. He was also the ONLY AMERICAN MALE to finish in the top 10!!

HOLY CRAP AWESOME TOO!!!

Best roomie ever's little sister is still rockin!! She's looking at a projected 4 hour finish.
HOLY CRAP AWESOME FOR HER!!!!

Happy Marathon Monday everyone! Hope you're enjoying it all as much as I am!! (;

live your life; love your life
and breath!

quick weekend recap

2011-04-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

It seems that I'm surviving the practically being single again life. Friday night I came home to this adorable little set up:

(I am not even joking, if I referenced the list I made of what I want in a guy my freshman year of high school: #1 would say: a guy who knows me well enough to bring me gummy candy when I'm sad. how did I get so dang lucky!!???!!)

Still, it's really really lonely and boring for sure.

I noticed something peculiar about being the girlfriend of a two job'd restaurant man. Other than ordering my starbucks

(iced black and white/mocha macchiato. LOVE it!)

and saying my last name to get my badge back at the gym and a few other sparce conversations. . . I've barely said a word. I read my blog roll out loud just now to make sure my voice was still in there. Weird.

I also realized I can't manage to cook a normal meal when I'm only cooking for myself. Luckily I'm totally ok with that!

(my mom would say: "at least you ate!" I'm saying: at least it was a square meal AND healthy!)

Saturday I spent many many hours doing what I do best when I have a messy house that I have zero interest in cleaning. Totally scammed Barnes and Noble into letting me read a gazillion magazines and nearly finishing Mrs. Goucher's AMAZING new book for FREE.

(if you haven't read it or started it or even just held it for a few seconds- it's a must! GO KARA TOMORROW!!!!)

I WORKedOUT:
3.2 miles- intervals. 1.5 incline
Upper body (for way too long, I can barely move today)
(TWO WEEKS TIL SPARTAN RACE! please go watch the video if you haven't already. I need all the cheering and support I can get!!!)

And crashed on the couch to watch bad TV, trying to stay awake until Mr. Perfect himself stumbled through the door. Which he did. Exhausted and starving. Poor guy );

Today I ran all over tarnation picking up stuff to make baskets for the girls that work in my office. We're celebrating 5 years of personalized healthcare this month! (can you tell I've been saying that a lot!!?? BLAH)

(I hope they love them, bc - they rock! And I wish I made myself one. PS-I'm for hire if you need a gift basket done! hehe)

I WORKedOUT

1.5 mile sprint. 1.5 incline: for a mini warmup
1 hour pilates with my favorite teacher!!
started the 100 push up challenge!

And now off to catch up on more trash TV and attempting to clean our lovely living space!

GOOD LUCK TOMORROW MARATHONERS!!
The little sister of the best roomie EVER is racing tomorrow. She's bib #25867. If you don't have anyone specific to cheer for (other than Kara) CHEER FOR HER!!!

live your life, love your life. . .
still breathing.

secrets secrets are no fun!!

2011-04-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

UNLESS THEY'RE TOLD TO EVERYONE!!!

SOOOO. I couldn't write about this GINORMOUS secret that I've been holding in for so long bc I was sworn to secrecy BUT the EVENT happened last night and I can finally scream it from the rooftops!

GALOVEY's lovey POPPED THE QUESTION!!!!!!!!!

They have been together for 2 1/2 years and lately we've been wondering when the heck he was going to do it already!!! (insert foot stomping)

About two weeks ago he snuck out of work and met me during lunch to show me an adorable little box with an enormous, shiny, amazingly sparkly rock it in. I couldn't stop starring and didnt' want to put it down. Um, can we say GORGEOUS! He did good. (; I was soooooo excited until he told me when he was proposing and I then realized I had to keep it a secret for WAY TOO LONG!!!!!

Luckily, when I see her everyday at the gym, it's either too early in the morning to form cohesive sentences or too soon after work to talk about anything but work. So, I was alright there! BUT- the GD masters were here last weekend and of course the boys had to be completely submerged in the masters- so as you read about last weekend. WE SPENT THE ENTIRE WEEKEND TOGETHER! HOLY test of my secret keeping abilities!!

BUT, regardless of my burning excitement eating away at my insides, I made it without giving anything away. We had all even made a bet last summer that I would know and not give it away to her- so she owes her lovey 100 quarters!! YES! I win! (;

Last , being the mushy dork I am- I skipped my run for fear that I would miss her screeching phone call.
I didn't miss it!
She was totally blown.away.surprised and so so so freaking happy!!!!!!! I could hear her smile radiating though the phone!!!!!!!!!
and IAM so incredibly happy for them and can't wait for the big day!!!

YEAH FOR LOVE!!!!!

inspiration. . . .expiration. . .

bloggity blogging blogger friends: APPLY NOW!

2011-04-15T16:44:00.001-04:00

Lately, it seems like I don't have enough time in the week to entertain my immense need for blog life. sadface. I wish I got paid to read blogs, comment on blogs and blog. I need to look into this! Luckily, I DO have a job that allows me to sneak in a few here and there! And I guess sometimes I do have the weekends to catch up on all them. BUT it would just be great if I could quit my job on account of my blog life. Which, is in fact, as we all know: A life of its own! Without the blog world, I would probably just go nuts, and need therapy and have to take lots AND LOTS of happy pills due to the fact that I would feel like I had zero friends. (again.)

The future seems to be opening up lots more time for it though. . .so tonight, I'm on a mission to find more blog friends.

Why?

Because, tonight, LBS starts a second job.

One of the GM's of a shmancy!fancy!praancy! restaurant (that knows him from a previous life or something) asked him to come cook for them some nights with the intention of moving there full time to become a GM or KM (general manager/kitchen manager for the people not suffering a restaurant business lifestyle). COOL FOR LBS and his career and our bank account. Not so cool for my heart&soul.

(Backstory: See, he used to be a KM. He decided to step down from the position a few months into dating me due to the serious amount of hours he was wasting (not with me): closing the restaurant and ordering food and organizing the week, and hiring and firing kitchen staff etc. Being a restaurant manager requires 60-80 hour work weeks and extremely late nights. UGH. ANYWAYS! NOW, he cooks at that same restaurant for the same amount of money and a 40 hour work week AND I GET TO SEE HIM A LOT MORE THAN BEFORE. win!win!win! happyface)

This new white table cloth place pays more for his skills, so he didn't really give the cooking offer a second thought. A KM/GM position would pay WAY more than where he is now, but we'd go back to the restaurant managing lifestyle. BOO.HOO.HOO. We do not have kids, or pets. We do have lots of travelling to do this year and the rest of our lives. We do have bills every month, including big ones like a mortgage and student loans. So more money shouldn’t really be declined at this time. But I’m just being a lonely, whiner baby b/c now I will be by myself at night more often and pretty much all weekend with nothing to do. (Maybe sometime soon I’ll be as awesome as him and swallow my pride and get a second job but until then I’ll keep throwing my little hissy fit and fix my problems with the blog world.)

HENCE: my mission: BLOG.WORLD.FRIENDS!

All bloggy people are encouraged to apply (and will be accepted based on anything).

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

thirsty thursday

2011-04-14T14:07:00.001-04:00

Ever since my get back in running shape journey started, I've barely had a drink drink to drink. Obviously, I've treated myself here and there. . .but I used to be the president of the "drinking wine and thinking bliss is on the other side of this" club. There just hasn't been time or reason for any of that lately!!

My other drink of choice per usual is lots and lots and lots of chocolate milk.

**Have you seen that they now advertise chocomilk as a recovery drink!!!??? DUH- been doing it for years!! (;**

BUUUT, this is my newest favorite snack/drink and had to share, since obviously sharing is caring!! And we're all so good at that!!!

Brought to you by WHOLEFOODS! The most amazing store ever!!

Get Over It Green Protein Shake (don't you love the title!!)

Nourish your body after a night of indulgence with things it really needs: nutrients and antioxidants. Sweet mango and banana, a hint of green earthy flavor and soy protein powder that contributes even more plant power!

Ingredients
2 cups organic chopped fresh greens such as spinach or kale, thick stems removed
1 mango, peeled and cubed
1 cup original or unsweetened ricemilk
1 banana
3 tablespoons Organic Vanilla Soy Protein Powder

Method
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Nutrition (b/c I know you are as obsessed as I am!)
Per serving (about 13oz/364g-wt.): 220 calories (25 from fat), 3g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 48g total carbohydrate (8g dietary fiber, 28g sugar), 9g protein

Try it.
Modify it.
LOVE IT!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

happy anniversary to us!!

2011-04-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

The PERFECT end to my PERFECT weekend:

AMAZING FOOD and DRINK with THIS HANDSOME GUY!!!

Snow crab legs as an app. I'm not a huge crab leg fan but LBS loves them and ate his nickname's worth. He cracked a few for me too (;

I did eat the corn and the potatoes of course!

For our main course, LBS had shrimp and grits. Which were amazing but I was apparently too hungry to take a picture of his food too. (you can see the bottom of this amazing mojito though in my meal pic!)

I HAD: 2 lobster tails on a bed of brussel sprouts and green beans dressed in a lemon, mustard seed reduction. I couldn't eat it all so I save the veggies for lunch today. YUMMMM

The server snapped this adorable picture. (I had limoncello for dessert!)

Soooo perrrrty!

We can home and oovoo'd with my entire famdamily for almost 2 hours with our new fangled webcam.

And then we passed out.

Such an amazing weekend!!

smiles.smiles.smiles.smiles

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

LOVE

2011-04-10T12:13:00.000-04:00

I always love my life but this weekend has been a list topper!!

Friday night Braves home opener with my favorite guy:

(I specifically try to make my neck as long as possible to resemble a giraffe at all times. And please excuse his inability to shave!! He needs a dang trimmer!!)

LOVE!

Free pizza at Braves home opener with my oh so attractive hysterical lover boy:

LOVE!

MENCHIES and then almost 2 hours in the park with my GALOVEY.

LOVE!

(Does anyone know what a "shoe tree" is?! We stumbled across one and were very confused. And it's hard to see b/c we were across the street trying to be stealth about our photography skills)

BEST CHICAGO DOG in town with LBS for dinnah!

LOVE!

MENCHIES AGAIN. . .oops! and 127 hours with LBS.

LOVE!

AND TODAY!

Just went and bought a webcam so I can video chat with the famdamily FINALLY. Especially excited b/c the little sis leaves for CHINA this weekend!!!!!

NOW!!

Run.

Pilates with GALOVEY then off on a mission to research spin shoes.

(any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!)

TONIGHT!!

LBS and I have reservations at this adorable patio seafood and raw bar to celebrate our anniversary!!!

MMMMMMMMMM.

so happy.

lovin life! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

mileage

2011-04-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday- I channeled my inner spartan, swallowed my fears and reservations and hopped on the tMill in an attempt to start my life as a runner back up.

Again.

Since my awesome accident last summer, I've attempted many times. Many, many times! To get back into running. My motivation to stick with it has always quickly dissipated out of frustration with my lack of endurance.

Yesterday though, I banged out 2.5mi in 22:37.

Spin really has raised my cardiovascular endurance way up! I was so excited with my time, and my endurance! I usually look like I'm dying no matter the shape I'm in because my face gets beat red. . . everyone must have thought I was such a weirdo with the giant smile I had plastered on my tomater face through the run.

So I'm psyched.

2.5mi is really nothing the scheme of things, but I was so nervous about it all- it just feels like huge accomplishment! And I can't wait to run again! YEAH!!!

I'm determined to kick the effect's of last summer's bedrest right out the door!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight LBS and I are kicking off our anniversary weekend with the Brave's home opener!!
Life couldn't be any better right now. (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

oh wait, here I am!

2011-04-06T17:33:00.000-04:00

again, I don't know where my life went or is going. but I need to put a little more effort into this daily recollection and sharing because it stresses me out not to blog! I know, I'm weird.

here is my life over the past too many days in pictures (ps- I wish iphone to blogger picture transactions were easier!):

we're in the business of making money and saving money. so we find weird FREE things to do to entertain ourselves. best buy is a great place to make this happen. here is LBS modeling our adventures:

(I apparently don't care much about being all that anonymous anymore- sorry peeps)

3d video games. . .the technology lately is insane!

annnnd that would be LBS grooving to michael jackson kinect. He's a much better dancer than I ever will be

we drove around going to estate sales all day Saturday. Who would have thought there would be someone else as obsessed with giraffes as me!?!?! If it wasn't cement I would have put it in the back seat for sure!

I may or may not have eaten froyo everysingleday. idk why my head looks ginormous. I think I need to invest in some kid brim hats.

ok ok, so I totally did eat it everyday. But look how amazingly delicious all that is!? how could I not?!!

kicking some words with friendseseese rears. ANYBODY want to play? I'm an addict! Too bad my next board of letters SUCK!

caught up on some of my running magazines. This is only way you should read running magazines btw. with candy in the middle of the pages

LBS and I both really really want to go to Vegas. He turns 30 next year so we thought that would be a good excuse. I though THIS would be an awesome excuse. He did not so much

(i'm sorry I suck at pictures here. . .idk how to rotate them!)

Things I did not take pictures of b/c they would be more boring to see than the above:

getting up at dark and early, shoveling in some pbutteronbread, managing to drive safely to the gym, spinning w my GALOVEY, some weight training, my never ending obamafied heckhole of a job, convincving LBS that he is way better at cooking so he should make dinner (yes I know, I'm totally lucky to have been paired with a MAN THAT CAN COOK- problem is when you cook for a living, you don't have any interest in doing it when you come home! BOO! He specializes in COMFORT FOOD JESS!!), scarfing down dinner, making my sleepy time tea: guzzling it, passing out. repeat. losing power for 8 or so hours because of the mini tornado that swept through GA and cursing the freezer for thawing out my most recent costco trip. ohhh southern weather.

I feel more with it today. It's hump day! HAPPY HUMP DAY! Hopefully the start of no more living in a fog with a past I can't recall!!!

OH DUH! We saw this great band last night: Adam Ezra Group. If you like bands like Old Crow Medicine show- DEF check them out because they are very talented, and creative and I LOVED THEM!! So you probably will too!!

(the gym at 5am is way more fun and totally classy when you have an entrance stamp on the inside of your wrist!)

Next week I start running hardcore. Like for real. I totally talked myself out of it this week. Anybody with some words of power, wisdom and motivation will be greatly appreciated. I need to channel my inner spartan dangit!

And one more picture JUST to prove how much more awesome the next few days will be!

WHO IS COMING TO VISIT!!!?!? (disregard the severe! bleeps- I promise, it's only a pollen count higher than it's every been in it's own history, just bring some anti sneeze stuff! (; )

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

time flew

2011-04-03T11:09:00.000-04:00

OH LAST WEEK! How did you fly by without me even noticing?

It's true! I have no idea where last week went. I spun/spinned?/cycled almost everyday, lifted a few times and fit in a couple group classes somewhere in between. Getting up that early, exercising that much and then working all day is a recipe for mentally missing an entire week for sure. I'm completely jealous of all of you out there that have this daily routine managed. I sure hope mine falls into place sometime soon here!

LBS worked non stop all week so I'm glad I don't have to think back and figure out if I fed him sometime in between all that. He is a chef, so it's not like he can't cook for himself. . .but I'm usually the dinner maker of the family, and I don't recall too much "dinner" making. I DO know that I managed to complete and start a whole new punch card at menchies! So apparently we ate a crap ton of froyo last week. At least there is nutritional value in that.

Luckily I seem to photo journal my entire life. . .so I'm grateful to be able to look back in my iphone to figure out exactly what did occur last week. I feel like "dude, where's my car". . .or "the hangover". Just obviously not that extreme.

Yikes. . .I'll update upon recollection. Ha.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

spartan walk and drive

2011-03-28T21:59:00.001-04:00

Recently, the hospital I work at, built a new parking garage. It was supposed to be for newer employees, non clinical staffers and whoever else to free up more patient parking. For some reason, I didn't get initially drafted into the new parking garage. However, about a month into instituting it, the hospital asked if anybody else would be willing to sacrifice their cushy, up close parking- for the garage that was about a mile away from most offices.

I figured, what the hey yo. . .I've got some runs I'm training for- might as well throw a couple extra steps into my daily routine! And get a good calf work out while I'm at it, since the walk would be in heels most days.

Well as I've mentioned before, it's impossible to get anywhere fast in Atlanta. You might as well just throw the idea of being on time to anything out the window! Lucky for me, I can arrive to work whenever I want; so, I don't have to worry too too much about the length of time it takes to get to the office. I do however TRY to get there at the same time everyday so I can get out at a decent hour. My awesome parking spot (previously) allowed for me to park and be at my office in about 45 seconds.

Today, I was running right on mentally on time for work time but remembered at the last minute that my new parking started today. Not a big deal!- until I realized how much of an ordeal it was.

When I agreed to the further away garage, little did I know that I was signing up for the SPARTAN WALK and DRIVE race! I was in such complete shock by how long it took me to park and get to the office, I timed and counted it all on the way back to the car this afternoon!

Starting from my desk:
I walk down a long freaking hallway to the stairwell that leads to the garages.
I walk down 3 flights of stairs and down another long hallway to the main level of the SOUTH parking garage entrance.
Then I walk out of my building across a driveway/entrance thingy and into another stairwell.

TIME:

I go up 5 flights of stairs to get to rooftop of the SOUTH parking garage.
I walk across the rooftop and into this little tunnel thingy that leads to the NORTH parking garage
I get to another set of stairs and go up 4 flights.
I exit at the level I parked on. (It's a miracle I even remember that I parked here.)
I walk to get into my car .
TIME:

I back out and start my 8 story (that is not an exaggeration) decent to the bottom of the parking garage exit.

I get to the exit and sit there for too long in the traffic of the rest of the hospital that leaves at 5:00.

FINALLY: I MAKE IT TO THE ROAD!! (My screenshot time didn't work but it was 9:06.6)

I'm still in shock!

So, you're welcome! to whomever got my great up close, out in 20 seconds parking spot. I'll make sure to pack my sneakers and a smile for tomorrow's trek! At least, now I know what I'm in for!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

clean eating

2011-03-26T15:36:00.000-04:00

I SLEPT PAST 8AM!!!! wahoo!!!

Last night was fantabulous!! The GALOVEY and I had some great exercise free girl time. Our food was amazing.

nothing like making your own amazing soup!!!!

Although we chose all our ingredients, and could probably figure it out- we have no idea how many calories we consumed (which usually never happens)!!

AAANDD we both slept in! WAHOO- missions accomplished!!

and um. . . on the topic of food:

I just finished my daily blog roll and my heart is burning after watching the trailer for this documentary (if you love animals- I'm cautioning you, but it would be in the best interest of broadening your knowledge to be brave and try to watch it) posted on awesomely inspiring Johnny Waite's blog.

I've only recently begun eating meat again. I hate to admit it, but I haven't really though twice about it. I was doing just fine as a vegetarian, but it's hard enough to feed only two people, let alone incorporate two different diets. For that, I'm pretty embarassed because it really just means I got lazy. I'm still hyperaware of the knowledge I do have surrounding animal neglect and abuse- so I try to be conscious of what meat I DO buy. But I'm not going to lie and say that I've been 100% dedicated to finding/buying free range meat.

It would be ignorant to preach about becoming a vegetarian or vegan or free range meat eater soley based upon animal abuse. Obviously those horrific stories are still going to occur no matter how many of us rebel and don't support it. However, it would be even more ignorant to think that your own personal discovery and choices didn't have an impact somewhere, somehow.

There isn't one mentally stable human being that could watch that video and not be completely appalled and moved by it's footage. And if you watched it and weren't affected- I'm not apolgizing for just calling you mentally unstable. You might want to stop whatever you're doing and go look for your heart and mental sanity!

If you were affected however, please help in whatever way you can to be part of the solution. I couldn't have said it better than JW himself:

"I'm neither naive nor blindly idealistic. I don't think I'm going to change the whole system. I just want to change you. Just a little bit. If you decide then to pay that forward, all the better.

Here is all you need to do differently.

Find out where your animal products come from.
Decide if you are okay with that.
Source a more humane, sustainable, healthy supply.
Eat with a spirit of gratitude.
Sleep well.
That is it."

This doesn't mean become a vegetarian/vegan tomorrow people. It means, DO what is right for you, and for your family. It means TRY to be aware. It means, do some research into sustainable living and eating.

be aware
to eat clean
and stay well.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

yeah for friday night

2011-03-25T16:56:00.000-04:00

I don't remember the last time I slept past 8.
That could mean because it was so long ago, I just can't remember.
Or it could mean that 5am has killed any ability to remember anything further back then that last thing I put in my mouth.
Tomorrow though- I GET TO SLEEP IN!!!!!!
Which means I'll wake up at 630am, wide awake and ready for action. Because that's just how things work-duh.

Maybe I can exhaust myself enough with my Friday night plans to ensure a good morning sleep in. It's amazing that I actually even DO have plans, because most Friday night's include a bottle of wine, my couch and a week's worth of DVR'd trash TV. Because LBS always works nights on Fridays. I know I'm lame. I just can't bring myself to be part of the "norm" crowd on Friday night in Buckhead-- which is party like its 19seventysomething through 2thousandnow= combined.

NONETHELESS. I HAVE great plans that are totally suitable for my old soul! The GA lovey and I talked about treating ourselves for the insane workout routine we've developed and attempted to maintain over the past month. So- our treat?

Dinner at that awesome stir fry place that LBS so kindly renamed (because nobody knows the actual name of it) babymonkeychow. Some glasses of wine. Some basking in the joyness of 2 whole mornings without dedication to our bike seats. Some great conversation. Some planning for next weeks disney land of workouts. AND some yumalicious FROYO to end the night because I'm obsessed with it's deliciosoness (pure Dorafied espanol right there)!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

So what if it represents a 90 year old couples date night. We're totally cool like that. (:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

death warmed over

2011-03-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

I read in some running magazine that it takes about 17 days of vigorous working out before you start to feel in shape, and normal again.

LBS and I have been members of our new gym for a month now; we’ve been in the gym 4-7 days a week the entire time. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks of practically living at the gym; being there 6 days a week (2x/day on a few days). So I’m not really sure what counts as our 17th day. . .but I’m gauging next Tuesday as around the mark.

I wish I wasn’t depending on this milestone. Everyone is different! So, who knows if this is even going to be the case for me. But, yesterday I was like a walking zombie: I could barely formulate sentences. . . one of the doc asked me if I was ok. . . I was in a foul mood!

I crashed after I got home from the gym at 7am to ‘finish my night’s sleep’ (well at least that’s what I told myself to feel better for being so exhausted). I spent the greater part of the day grumpy because short stints of sleep do that to me. Then I headed back to the gym after work to run and go to Pilates (which might not have been the best idea). I dragged myself home, put together a halfway decent meal, attempted to help my digestive system by at least getting it to my mouth and crashed into my bed at 830pm, convincing myself (even though the feeling was overwhelming) that I didn’t really actually feel nauseous.

I feel better today, but I didn’t have a 5am wakeup call. I have a run and yoga planned for tonight, and then spin tomorrow morning. My exhaustion is telling me to slow down, but my dedication is telling me to keep pushing through it. That I’ll be over the hump eventually. That it’s all going to be worth it. Worth what though? How much is too much?

I mean. . .it’s not like I don’t want to do what I’m doing. It’s not like I have an evil enforcer. I get excited about spin; in fact, I know that I absolutely love it. I’ve been dreading running, but my 21:30, 2.5 miles yesterday proved I have nothing to really worry about right now in that department. . .right?

UGH. I wish I wasn’t such a downer about this. I wish I knew there was a point where it will all just be routine and not so exhausting. Maybe it will be next Tuesday just because I’m telling myself it will be.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

small-farm-animal daily portions

2011-03-23T15:51:00.001-04:00

Going to the gym 8gazillion times a week yields some need for massive food consumption. As I've mentioned, I now eat what I ate in a week, for lunch. I'm not complaining by any means, except about my grocery bill! I've been having some fun trying to invent more healthy choices and options! Thanks to some awesome bloggers and my stomach's brain- I've come up with a few variations of things and maintained the constant need for calories. The GA lovey and I have a weird thing about taking pictures of our food and sending it to each other. . .and from the looks of it, that's not weird in the blog world. So I thought I'd share so of the yummminess!!

mmmmm (2 weeks ago= 2 meals. a few days ago=snack)

mmmm date night! 2nd course super crunch roll!

love cottage cheese. Love fruit= perfect combo!

oops. . .that doesn't look healthy. LBS and I usually have date night at Wild Wing's 2fer2tuesday. We tried laying off but we just can't resist their wings. They're so good dangit. And that's coming from a barely retired vegetarian! (all of those wings are mine btw)

This morning, I could barely function after spin, so LBS (who not only went to spin, but stayed for the 15 minute extension and had zero problem putting one foot in front of the other- ugh him) generously put my lunch together for me. I'm sooo lucky that he knows me well enough to know what and how much to pack in my lunch box that he keeps reminding me is a giant bag. I sort of chuckled when I looked in the "GB" at lunch. Although I've been eating a lot, I'm pretty sure he put every combination of snack that I like, that was in the house- in my GB.

That would be: yogurt, kashi, 2 hard boiled eggs, a lara bar, a fiber1 bar, cottage cheese, carrot sticks, and underneath are sliced apples and then chunked apples in a tupperware for me to add the cottage cheese to! How freaking cute is he? I was fully expecting to be ok with eating a random sandwich. I think I'll leave him in charge of lunching packing from now on!

The grocery store and I are becoming just about as good of friends as my spin bike and I are.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

enough about me for a sec

2011-03-23T14:48:00.002-04:00

As much as I love and absolutely adore and miss the crap out my family- I realized recently I don’t prove that much in my writing.

My brother left for boot camp and technical training yesterday for the air force. The effect it’s had on my family, made me realize I should honor them, and what he’s chosen to do with his life at this point- a little bit more. So I’m going to work on that.

The phrase “left for boot camp” for some reason resembles the picture of a youngster that’s just signed up for the military and is anxiously saying bye to their family for roughly 2 months. This isn’t the case for my family though- as my brother is almost 26, has a wife and three beautiful little baby girls.

He will in fact be at boot camp for 2 months, but then will remain in Texas for 6 more months to receive tactical and technical training for his air force job. Which, if I was a cooler sister, would be able to tell you more than: something to do with fighter jets. My poor mother is distraught over him being gone so long and I wish I could fly home just to hug her. I’m not so good at consoling people. My words, usually without waivering are dripping with sarcasm. It’s really the only way I know how to deal with anything! I talked to my S-I-L (his wife) yesterday morning on gchat to see how she was doing. She said she was lonely, and worringly (ya, I’m making that word up) wondering how she was going to keep the 3 little miggies (ages 6 months- 6 years old) yearning’s for their dad, at bay.

There really is nothing enjoyable about military personnel being gone anywhere, for any length of time for anyone close to them. I’m grateful that he’s not deployed, but with the way things seem to be going right now, joining seems to mean deploying soon after. My heart is heavy for the adjustment period my family will go through. I’m sort of lucky in the fact that because I’m so far away, he’s not enough a part of my everyday life to be too effected by it all. Ultimately, I just want him safe in the future. I just feel so bad for my parents, S-I-L and the miggies. I know they’re strong, and they’ll make it through it. Thanksgiving will mean just that much more this year!

Even if you don’t believe in the war, don’t forget to thank your military and their families, on and off tour!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

go time

2011-03-22T10:59:00.001-04:00

I'm addicted to spinning. There is no question about that.

When I listen to music now, I'm constantly characterizing the song by it's 'spin class' value.
I buy/make snacks according to the morning's spin activity level.
I pack my daily life/everything into bags the night before.
My bike gets more action than my bf. (I'm not even sure I've had a complete sentences, adult conversation with him for longer than 10 minutes in at least a week. I should probably work on that!)
I have zero problem getting out of bed for it.
My legs are super hairy (which is per usual but I usually at least spare the world of it). I'm totally rocking bermuda short/slacks today though.
I love that jello, how am I going to walk in these heels all day feeling.

I'm addicted. Period. Cool right? RIGHT! Thing is: addiction means you can't stop!

and uhhh, I gotta hit the pavement/treadmill/streets/hills for some jogging sometime soon here! I just need to find the time and energy and will power and optimism to do it. PLUS my brain hasn't even suggested to itself giving up a spin class to make it happen. and I don't think it's going to anytime soon. The thought of even just a 10 minute mile just seems so foreign and hard to me; when it reality- it's probably pretty awesome!!

I'm scheduled to run in a SPARTAN RACE (I still haven't figured out why I agreed to this!) at the end of april. I want to do a NORMAL 5k in may and a 10k in June and July. And I'm running a half marathon for my birthday in August.

It's frustrating. . .and scary to get back into 'ready for a race in a week' shape. I'm sure it's a subconscious effort to never remember the pain of last summer, but I keep forgetting that a machine blew up in.my.face and I have no reason to be so down on myself. So now, everytime I think about how lame I was for letting myself get so out of shape, I look back at some of the pictures.

Well DUH, now I remember why I sat on the couch for an entire summer!!!

(I was wondering how to anonymize this picture until I realized the burn did it for me)

BUT STILL- I'm in better cardio shape now! So I need to get my dang butt running before it's too late!!!

feel free send your running voodoolicious vibes over here all you crazy training/running peeps!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

homeowningsabizzznatch

2011-03-21T15:41:00.002-04:00

This weekend, I decided it would be a good idea to fold the laundry that had been in the dryer for too many days and at least entertain the idea of putting it away (which means moving it to the closet or bedroom floor). Underwear and socks always fall to the floor when I'm folding. I end up picking them up at the end since they just get shoved in drawers/baskets anyway. The first victim to fall to the ground fell a little bit under the washer. I ignored it as always, but when I bent down to pull the next article of clothing out of the dryer I notice the hot pink bootie shorts were soaked.

WTF!!??? I reached into the dryer feeling the clothes. I know for a fact our dryer sucks, but the pile has definitely been in the dryer for over 3 days- they can’t still be soaked.

I crouch down lower and notice there’s actually about a cm of water in the laundry room closet (which is slightly lower than the wood floored hallway).

I instantly go into SABCM (aka: squeeze a baby chick mode), because something breaks in our house every other day and it’s never a simple repair. I triage the closet and notice there is a steady dripping/ stream (ok, maybe not a stream, but it's for effect people!) of wetness coming down from the ceiling. Great, pipes must have burst!

I text LBS that I want to blow the place up and storm out the door to pound on the upstairs neighbors door.

(I really need to work on this anger management- I KNOW!)

Lucky for him, upstairs neighbor dude didn’t answer.

LBS is surveying the disaster when I get back in the condo and facetiously asks if I’m mad while laughing at my likely, anger filled, red cheeks.

Mad? Mad is an understatement not worthy of an audible answer. I stomp around grumbling, looking for the HOA emergency number while yelling about how stupid our condo is and how I can’t deal with anything else going wrong. In the mean time he gets the hot line on the phone and has a plumber and locksmith on the way before I even realize it. Oh, if I only had an ounce of his patience!

He begins taking the soaked boxes and whatever other crap was in the closet out and putting them in the living room. Feeling stupid about any sort of productivity being impeded by my anger, I try to make myself useful and grab a camera to take pictures of the disaster.

The locksmith and plumber appear faster than I could have ever expected. They set out with LBS to investigate the leak by first breaking in to the upstairs tenants condo (which I felt extremely bad for and would be slightly perturbed if I were him), only to find out the leak was actually coming from the third floor.

The tubing to their ice maker/water dispenser had cracked (same thing happened to us a few months ago) causing tons of water to leak through the floors and walls. How their kitchen wasn’t flooded before our laundry closet was destroyed, I am still not sure. But at least we found the root of the problem.

Now comes the joy of dealing with getting an estimate, asking the owners to write us a check AND, getting it fixed. Someday I’ll begin to see the good in home ownership. Not today though!

PS- the clothes are still in the dryer. At least I rock at my inability to keep a clean home lately!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

a gift of family

2011-03-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

I was given the forever rewarding gift of an amazing family, by being adopted after my family passed away 20 something years ago.

I've always said I would adopt children if I ever decided to have kids because there are so many that need loving homes. I've sort of thought of it as paying it forward for my second chance at a family.

And, I still fully intend on at least looking into the process of adoption when the time comes.
However, I've recently started to think about some other ways to give the gift of family to someone in need, other than adoption.

I was watching that new show- One Born Every Minute (a mini documentary series about birthing experiences at a hospital in Ohio) a few weeks ago and was so totally moved by one couple's struggle with fertility. As a result of their struggles, their final decision in starting a family was surrogacy. The entire birth and relationship between the surrogate, her family, and the soon to be parents was so touching. I couldn't stop crying.

And then I couldn't stop thinking about surrogacy. I sort of cringed at the idea of having to hand over a baby that I just carried around for 9 months so my thoughts trailed to egg donation.

I've been researching all aspects of it and even filled out an application to potentially become a donor. LBS is really the only one that knows I've even been entertaining the idea so it feels a little weird to be sharing it. . .not exactly sure why. I guess it's just a pretty big decision that I know not everyone will agree with- but I can learn to be ok with that.

LBS agrees with my reasoning behind wanting to do it and has been completely supportive and open to talk about it. His only reservation was the curiosity of it effecting OUR chances of conceiving later in the future. Which, from the research I've done- has never been a proven side effect.

So, we'll see. I might not even be a valid candidate. If not, at least I tried right? Right.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

you could have done shots off my body this morning

2011-03-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

I have a strip or stripe down the middle of my chest from being outside yesterday afternoon at a St. Patty's day festival. It's not terrible, but it's still a burn. An obvious, red, rectangle of sunburnedness where my shirt dipped down.
SEE:

Usually I'm obsessive about sunscreen and I despise (more than a lot of things) : getting burned. I'm usually drenched in SPF gazillion for the first month of summer. After a few weeks of coppertone overdose, I am tan enough to stop worrying about the burn.

Being that this is my second spring down south, you'd think I would know by now that if the sun is out, you have a chance of getting burned! Especially considering the NASTY burn I got last year on the bottom of my legs (cropped running pants on the beach=no good!)
SEE:

yeah THAT one took months of healing. . .!

I didn't think about sunscreen yesterday because it's been cold here. Cold for HOTLANTA cold. And, because- well, who thinks about sunscreen on March 17th!? Obviously I don't!

I decided this morning as I was getting more perturbed by the irish tattoo glaring at me in the spin mirror for an hour this morning, that I just need to be ok with it.
ONLY because it was March 17th.
And I got a sunburn.
IN MARCH!
While hanging out at an awesome street festival with LBS, the future in laws and LBS's best friend- celebrating leprechaun day.

Which by the way. . .the block party/street festival was rocking with some Irish dancers, bagpipers, creative green outfits, LOADS OF BEADS, live bands, tons of people and WAAAY too many drinks!!

I told myself I wasn't going to drink anything but in the hot sun, the beers looked way too good to pass up.

So. I had one.

and then someone dared me that I wouldn't take a car bomb. and I said they were right- that I would never.
and then they bought me one. and I stupidly bowed to the pressure and did it.

SUCH A BAD IDEA! not because I got sick or too drunk or anything.

more because I sweat pure alcohol all morning in spin class.

So, I was glowing red and you could have gotten drunk standing next to me.
What can I say!? oh well!

I was sad to say bye to LBS's rents this morning before work. Every time I hang out with them, I love him and his family more and more!

My life is full of the luck of the Irish lately!!

(:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

I will survive

2011-03-16T13:52:00.000-04:00

Other than the crappiest night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time and butt dialing my poor mother at 5:30 AM- the first morning of spin went fairly well. And this morning was even better.

I’m not positive how I survived yesterday, or even managed to accomplish anything considering the 4 hours of sleep LBS and I got!

BUT! BOTH LBS and I got up in time to meet up with the GALOVEY for class and actually arrived with some time to spare! It was a pretty intense workout- as spin tends to be, but it was rewarding none-the-less! The GALOVEY and I somehow managed to pack everything we needed (the night before) to get ready for work at.the.gym (after class). Our abilities to function were a little off (GALOVEY did attempt to use her facewash as shampoo), but all in all. . .we made it out unscathed! We even got to sit in starbucks and enjoy some girltime/R&R before having work!

The remainder of the day was a little rough. The majority of the morning consisted of convincing myself to stay awake and to sit up straight. I kept finding myself leaning more and more on my desk. I probably would have fallen over dead asleep at any moment if I hadn’t made myself hyper aware of the need to stay awake.

THIS morning, only GALOVEY and I made to class. It was an endurance spin and MAN did we get killed! Both of us were sort of bummed that we were draggin. I’m hoping we were just tired from this being our third workout of the week, or the second morning of getting up too early. We should cut ourselves a little slack right? But we feel great! I’m still totally loving spin, and realizing how addicted I am!

The plan was for a Pilates class tonight to get a good mid week stretch in, but LBS’s parents decided they were going to come visit us for 2 days. Sunday I was dreading my workout week boot camp and now I’m mad I’m going to miss a class! Hang on, let me pull me lip in and just be happy to visit with his parents. hmph

SOOOO. . .I guess I’m going to survive all this exercising after all! And be RUNNING magazine worthy by the time pool season rolls around here! (;

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

a voluntary death wish

2011-03-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

This weekend was quite the experience! LBS and I worked at our side job (estate solutions) all day Saturday and Sunday managing an estate sale. It was interesting, entertaining and we made a lot of mullllaaaaah! so, I guess it was worth it.

Also this weekend. . .well, Friday night. . .the GALOVEY and I went to this super fun stir fry restaurant after the craft fair to enjoy some yummy dinner and have drink paired (obviously) extra girl time. There must have been something weird in our craft fair Bloody Marys, or our stir fry, or the wine? SOMETIME during our meal we came up with the brilliant idea to take spin classes 4x/week! Three of them being at 5:45 AM! On our day off from spin, we threw in an abs and gluts class and on one of the morning spin days, we hit the gym back up in the afternoon for Pilates.

Yep! We did.

AND we even managed to plan it during the first week of day light savings.

Brilliant little over achieving exercisers aren’t we!?

Haha, all sarcasm aside though- we both have a sort of new obsession with the gym and this is only going to keep us there more.

Although everyone around me will probably be fearing for their lives by this Friday! and we’ll probably stink a little more than usual! and we'll be living out of our coffee cups! and we’re most likely not going to be able to walk very much. . . it’s going to be worth it!

(someday)

I just need to keep thinking that we're WILLINGLY doing it. It’s not like I have a gun to my head! And I'm going to be so excited and proud once we get in the groove!

For one thing: we have this Spartan race to get in shape for.

And for another thing: pool season starts here in just a few weeks!

I think tonight before our class we’ll come up with some sort of reward system, because this is going to be quite the accomplishment.

deep breaths can’t be underestimated!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

first things first then other things

2011-03-11T16:37:00.001-05:00

Last weekend.

It was a blur while it was happening and it is a blur I would like to forget about FOREVER. So, I'm not even sure I want to go back in time and rehash it all for you. Even though I'm sure you'd love to hear about how absolutely BIZARRE it all was.

VERDICT: I shall NEVER in my entire life! have anyone IN MY HOUSE, for THAT LONG, with THAT MANY SOCIAL/MENTAL DIFFERENCES again!

moving right along.

I have no idea where this week went.
I woke up, got ready, went to work, went to the gym, went home, shoved some food down my throat and crawled into bed crashing til morning pretty much everyday.

Work is still insanely busy ~~thanks to ObamaCare~~ for some strange reason. And from the looks of it- will continue on the path of most resistance until nobody knows when.
Awesome. BUT the doctors got me a flippin fantabulous watch that I'm in love with and makes all my hard work worth it (sometimes)!!

And as a mental diversion from the obamanation, wait how do you spell that word? OH! abomination (funny how I could get that mixed up) that is my work place. . .I've headed to the gym everyday after work.
I'm obsessed with spin class.And pilates class.And AbsGlutes class.And the treadmill.

my GALOVEY is FANTASTIC motivation. I even dragged LBS to spin with me last night!!
also the constantly awesome! motivational! hysterical! inspirational!!! HRG has also helped MUCHO in the way of putting the: perspectively speaking: life of exercise into the life of life.

Interestingly enough, after last weekend, I noticed this week that I've started eating about as much as a small farm animal. Which is cool with me! and: quite the adjustment considering my usual chickadee like consumptions. Even my own mother couldn't believe the picture I sent her last night of my dinner plate (which was my 4th meal of the day). The daily workout routine will do that to you!

ENOUGH about me. . .

What the heck is going on in this world right now?!
I'm completely saddened for the earthquake/tsunami victims. And I'll try my best not to make this too much of a joke. . .
but between libya, and the wars in middle east, and the rest of africa. the disasters in southeast asian, and the tsunami/earthquake, and haiti, and wisconsin, the floods up north, the possibility of the NFL shutting down (and our entire nation learning to deal without its ridiculous attachment to it). . .we're not making it to 2012 people.
YIKES!!!

I'm so glad it's the weekend. I have a fun little girls night planned with the GALOVEY to eat, drink, enjoy a cute little craft fair and forget about the world. Wahoo!

inspiration. . . expiration. . .

whirlwinded

2011-03-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

Holy weekend.

I have lots to write about from this weekend, but barely have time to answer my four bajillion eMails from missing 1.5 days of work. Verdict: I will update sometime later.

Must get back to the torture of Mondaynotsofunday.

Hope all your weekends rocked!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

you make me smile, please stay for awhile

2011-03-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

There are many good things about blogging, but today- I noticed one good thing about blogging is the ability to look back in time. Fortunately (for the sake of review) exactly about this time a month ago. . .I wasn’t in a great state of mind either. And for that- I’ll chalk my nasty attitude up to my monthly visit from aunt flo. This month WAS a little better, and hopefully next month: my second round of Beyaz, will boost my spirits a little higher!

This afternoon, for some reason- possibly because of this am's comical relief! Possibly because I get to go to one of my favorite classes at the gym with my GA LOVEY. Possibly because I have an extra day off this week. Possibly because I just realized I might actually have fun this weekend! Possibly because I gave up on the idea that I needed to white glove my house for my family, who will understand that I have a life. Possibly: simply because my time on psycho island was up?!

. . . who knows!
BUT, I feel better. Not as stressed. Not as disorganized. Not ~~ready to squeeze a baby chick to death a moment’s notice~~ as psycho.

*I feel good. ( neenerneenernee! I knew that I would! (: )

*I’m happy with my mission to get back in [better] shape.

*I’m excited I made it over the exercise hump. The one where you’re like eff this, I’m giving up. Ya, I know you know that one!!

*I’m planning on some races! (somehow I got talked into this one: http://www.spartanrace.com/) and then there’s the half miler in San Diego for the Jawbreaker and I to kick off our first year into the next quarter of a century of our lives!

*I love my adorable, handsome, hysterical boyfriend.

here's a little funny story courtesy of him from this morning:

LBS: "are you wearing that nail polish to work?"

(referencing my malibu barbie pink toenails. . .as if I could change the color like a pair of shoes)

I giggled, looking down at my peeping toes: "yeah. . ..why?"

LBS: "it just looks funny. . .

you're all professional

all the way down

except your bright pink toes sticking out.

but I guess that's just you"

I love that he knows me so well! (;

*I have guests coming in for the weekend to visit MOI. How lucky am I to have people that care about me enough to visit!?

*My friends are so patient and understanding, and can talk me through any rough day.

*A job is a job is a job. And at the end of the day, even though it has it has ups and downs. . .at least I have a good paying, legit career!

So I’m smiling again, and I hope it sticks!!!

For the end to my seemingly: monthly rut:

SEEEE YAAAA!!!
Now moving ONWARD!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

for a laugh part III(ish)

2011-03-02T13:03:00.000-05:00

One of the MA's just came back to my office and told me there was a minor situation with an order she placed and rhetorically asked if I could go out front and deal with it.

GREAT! I don't want to deal with ANYTHING ELSE!!!

So I walk out there. . .

and uh. . .
the brown suited ups man is carrying in his about his 10th box. (boxes about the size of a microwave)

There is pretty much no space to put it down, but somehow he makes room. I look at the MA confused and ask ups dude what the hell is in all those boxes.

He goes back out in the hallways and comes back with the slip.

Red faced and sort of giggling he tells me "KY Jelly."

Dr. W has walked into the MA room now and is startled by the lack of space on the floor.

He inquires. . .

Me, now red faced and expecting to be confronted: "Well Dr. W, McKesson apparently sent us 20 cases of KY jelly!!"

CASES!!

$2,268.00! worth of KY jelly!

Our MA explains that she ordered 2 BOXES. About $22.00 worth. There must have been a mistake.

Mistake is an understatement. This was a sick, hysterical, thank you for some comic relief in my life, joke.

Ups dude just keeps carrying them in as if it would make sense we needed this much KY.

Dr. W (who is well into his 60's) is laughing hysterically, but points to me on his way back to his office and says "You need to fix this. Why would they think we need that much KY? Call them and ask why they didn't question this! Last I checked, we practice medicine, not pornography!"

There's are few things more funnily awkward then a 60 something year old man cracking jokes about lube and porn.

I'll look into it alright.

Why didn't we accidentally order 20 cases of girl scout cookies or something?

Oh ya, because KY was my comic relief for the week.

Anybody need a little extra slipperyness in their life!?

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

let's talk about stress baby

2011-03-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

If you haven’t caught on already, last week: worked sucked.

And apparently the devious suck-ville gods decided to roll their generosities right into this week. How nice of them.

I found out today that the MDVIP bigwigs are coming in on Thursday for an audit. Translation: make sure our office is adequately making them enough money. Convenient! since I was supposed to take a half day on Thursday for my visitors. Thankfully LBS has Thursday off; too bad he sucks at entertaining [people he barely knows].

I’m sick of cleaning my house, but there is still more to clean. How that little space could be so dirty I still don’t fully understand.

I am obsessed with being at the gym killing myself every night this week because I’m going to miss 4 days of working out. BUT, last night’s abs and gluts class kicked my entire body into wincing pain every time I go to stand up. I think I’ve double the recommended dose of ibuprofen and it’s not even lunch time.

I am exhausted.

I just want to crash on the couch this weekend. And read. And catch up on my 2 weeks’ worth of DVR’d bad tv. And do the real lyrics of this post's title. BUT THAT'S NOT HAPPENING.

I’m being such a baby.

It’s only Tuesday. waaaaaa

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

randomocities to catch up

2011-02-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

I went to a second spin class on Thursday night. It was amazing. All the cursing I did after the 1st class was legit, without a doubt- but, something about it all made me want to hit the bike again. I guess spin isn't for everyone. BUT, if you want to try it- prepare for a painful first class and push through the pain to go at least one other time. I'm pretty positive if you're a workout lover, you'll be as addicted as I am.
As I mentioned, my week at work was a disaster and I'm so glad it's over. I just have to prepare myself for a crappy Monday- because we all know how fun Monday's are. Especially Monday's that follow a messy week.
My house (which I'm blaming on the shitastic work week) is an absolute pig pen of a mess. Not like I'm being an OCD weirdo mess either. Like, I'm pretty sure I dressed out of a pile off the ground everyday this week. Like, I'm going to have to wash anything on the ground because I have no idea if it's clean or dirty. Like, LBS had to pick up 13 different somethings to find his house shoes yesterday. Like, I should probably name the piles because they're starting to become part of the family. THAT kind of mess. I should be cleaning, especially since LBS is at work and won't want to come home my psychotic ideas of clean up. And! We agreed to run when he got out. BUT, I talked myself into deserving a little down time and debriefing. So- I've spent the morning roaming the giraffe world on Etsy, reading the next Book Club book, and creaming people on Words with Friends.
Our dishwasher seems to be broken. The bottom is filled with water. I don't know, or want to know what it's going to take to fix that. I can't deal with appliances breaking anymore.
I have to motivate myself to get off the couch and clean the house sometime before the end of tomorrow because Thursday, SUPERSTAR, my cousin (the one that got married last April, who also just found out she's preggo.my.eggo) and our friend, ZSN4LIFE are all coming to VISIT ME!!! P.M.E and ZSN4LIFE live in Boston and needed a good excuse to escape the cold&snow! What better excuse then coming down to visit me!!!?? Superstar doesn't have classes so I'm flying her up (from Miami) as her birthday (big 24 on monday) present. I have no idea what we're going to do yet, but I'm sure we'll find something!!
I haven't heard from or spoke to Emmalove in over 6 weeks and it's been more emotionally depleting then I ever thought it would be. Her pops has randomly updated me and caught me up on some things. Which I'm grateful for, but am starting to think isn't healthy. It's almost her birthday and I keep thinking I need to grow a pair, get over it and talk it out with her. But then I realize that she needs to grow up some before any of that happens. So, I keep her safely, and habitually in my thoughts and hope that day comes.
This week marks my one year anniversary of being in Atlanta. I can't believe it's already been a year. Even more, I can't believe everything that's happened in year. EVEN MORE, I can't wait for the year ahead!!
I think that's enough randomness for now

Oh! Wait- 2 more things in the world of BLOG. . .

I'm so so HAPPY for the soon to be Mrs. Architect !!!! She kept us all on pins and needles over her proposal story but she finally posted and it's as much of a fairy tale as we all expected!! CONGRATS you two lovebirds. Gosh she deserves it!
AND- If you're ever feeling bad about the state of your life currently, catch up on Lib's story of surviving cancer. She is an absolute inspiration and I'm so SO incredibly ecstatic she is celebrating a week of being CANCER FREE!!

ta-da!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

this week's mess

2011-02-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

It's 3:50 on Friday and my desk still looks like this:

At the end of a good week, it usually has nothing on it except the essentials.

The only reason I'm even blogging is because I'm on a conference call listening to more reform changes.

Oh joy- thank you again, Washington.

This has not been a good day or a good week.

ugh.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

TMI for a laugh

2011-02-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

As you're aware. . .LBS is a fan of his new iPhone. . .more for the emoticons if nothing else.

And this is an example of our conversations now (I'm green):

At least he's good for a laugh!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

driving in the ATL

2011-02-23T12:37:00.000-05:00

ATL isn't the first city I've lived in. And, it certainly isn't the first city I've driven in.

There may be a few cities worse, but ATL most definitely has to be on the top 10 worst cities to drive in- by safety standards.

My 3 mile commute to work, especially during rush hour(s), for the first few months of living here- were torturous, regular near death experiences. Even though now, I’m pretty sure I’m immune to the death traps of our cities roads- I don't enjoy driving here!

So, if you’re not familiar with our roads- these are just a few things you should know about driving in ATL:

Red lights are a suggestion. ESPECIALLY if you can see that the next light is green. And if you can see that the next 2 lights are green. . .well then that just cancels out your red light.

Traveling in the left or right lane on major city roads (pretty much any rd with ‘peach’ in it), with zero intentions of turning left or right in the next 400 ft is not recommended. You’ll be stuck behind someone who is attempting to turn, for an exhausting amount of time. Therefore, always travel in the middle lane; even if it’s backed up miles behind anything in the side lanes.

Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. Everyone participates in a city-wide, real-life challenge of Grand Theft Auto. If you feel really bad about hitting them, just swerve around them. Especially if you’re going 2x the speed limit.

Texting and driving is illegal. But coming to a dead stop in the middle of a major road to text: PERFECTLY ok.

If you missed your turn (forget about the fact that the next road, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, can still get you to your destination). Just back up- right there in the lane and take the turn your GPS wanted you to take in the first place. After all, you can't get anywhere without listening to it, right?

Driving 3 miles can take you anywhere between 7 and 77 minutes.

If you’re trying to get outside the perimeter between the hours of 4:30 and 7:30. . .plan on being in your car for hours. And if there’s an event (especially a Braves game) add 2 hours to your plan!

More specifically, rush HOUR, singular- is a national joke someone decided to play and succeeded. Traffic is anywhere between the hours of 5:00 am-10:30 am, 10:35 am-3:35 pm AND 4:00 pm-8:00pm. There is no rule of thumb to follow in accordance to where you're going. You should just plan on being late.

Become freakishly aware of any cupcake shop or starbucks. Sudden turning, (without warning!) and brakes being slammed on in a sudden (RANDOM) fit of needing either of them, can't but SHOULD always be expected. Be especially aware if they are near each other.

The only time your turn signal is necessary, is when you are in a ‘turn only’ lane. And if the lane is in fact marked turn only, you can actually go straight. The other cars will narrowly avoid you and cheer you on with their horns!

Last but NOT least. . .while in the drivers seat, feel free to do your makeup, eat, talk with both hands while yelling through your bluetooth, read your kindle, type on your GPS and pay NO attention to the road. Because all those things are still legal.

Enjoy your commute! (:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

there's a tailbone down there

2011-02-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

LBS and I are in the process of joining an awesome gym with a billion cool classes and all the other perks of a great fitness center. (We're still in our one week free trial.) We debated joining one of those dirt cheap, open 24/7 gyms, but I really wanted to do some classes. Plus the GA LOVEYS belong to this one, so we can be good motivation for each other!! We’re determined to be in shape and have a much better summer than 2010 offered up!

So, last night I went to my first ever SPIN CLASS with my GA LOVEY. I'm hardly a rider of anything (except the obvious), so I really had no idea what I was in for.

WELLL!!! Let me just start off by saying that, THAT BIKE SEAT!!!?? Made me feel like I needed to leave and go straight to confession. AND, no- I’m not even the LEAST bit religious. HOLY HARD THING BETWEEN YOUR LEGS!!

I don’t know what the anatomical term for that bone down there is. . .the bottom of my pelvis I guess, PLUS my tailbone, have never hurt so bad in my life. I've never been so aware of all that down there.EVER!

This is worse than learning to skate and learning to snowboard COMBINED!!

I woke up this morning figuring I wasn’t going to be able to walk from the intense leg work out. Luckily, it seemed to use the same muscles as running- so I’m in the clear in terms of lactic acid pain. BUT, in case you don’t get it yet- OH MY DOWN THERE!!!!!

My GA LOVEY invested in some padded shorts before last night’s class (it was her second go round) and she said they seemed to help. Maybe I need to look into those.

All that being said- I’m addicted! I can’t wait to go back! It was soo rewarding. And just all around SUCH a good workout! I sweat out at least 3 liters of toxins and choaked through the heaviest breathing I've experienced in a long time! I don’t even know how this much pain could render such enthusiasm and drive!!

Congrats spin class on being quite the oxymoron.

My first abusive, healthy relationship. HA!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

i.can.cook

2011-02-18T17:40:00.001-05:00

If you were to interview my family on my kitchen skills: they wouldn't have much of anything to say other than something along the lines of: "have you heard the brownie stories? we keep her out of that room in the house!"

So, first! THE BROWNIE STORY:

When I was younger, and had just been adopted, I had extreme issues with following directions.

disclaimer: when there is a 5 year old running around in the middle of a serious family tragedy, the most effective way to keep her distracted/content/somewhat adjusted is to just give her whatever she wants and more. Without question. Oh- and you usually end up doing everything for her. RIIIIGGGHTT!!!????

Probably not.

[I know, I know- it sounds parallel to the life many toddlerish kids lead these days. In 1990 though, by my family's standards, even though it happened-NOT the best way to raise a kid! The thing is; 'How to take care of and someday raise a 5 year old whose entire family is about to die' wasn't on oprah's book list.]

So- alas, I came into my new family without the proper social, functioning skills that they were accustom to. Fortunately for me, they were extremely creative in their teachings of following directions- and I actually seem to do somewhat fine with them these days.

Seriously. . .NOW the BROWNIE STORY:
One of the most famous following directions-plan-of-action was the HUNDREDS of boxed brownies I was tricked into making. Everyone knows, boxed brownies average around 4 ingredients including the brownie powder. And most LIKELY a monkey could handle the task.

Let's just say my family spent probably 6 months:
Eating eggshell filled/partially cooked/extremely burned/missing ingredient brownies.
Reminding me to turn the oven on 30 minutes after I put the brownies in.
Reminding me to turn the oven off 30 minutes after I took them out.
Grabbing the plastic bowl, I used to mix out of my hand right before I put it in the oven and handing me a brownie pan.
Basically, just being the most amazing family that they are.

Until I was probably 16 and it actually BECAME a famous story told to many- I never actually knew how long it took me to master the boxed brownies. And I'm pretty sure I never even knew they ate borderline dog mess for dessert for so long either. I'm also pretty sure I still can't master boxed brownies- so I guess they gave up.

Somehow, someway I managed to learn, like I said, to somewhat follow directions- at least enough not be a complete social anomaly. Although, again- I'm pretty sure the brownies weren't the charmed sensei because, looking back: I, eventually, was very slyly kept away from the kitchen. SUPERSTAR is a good enough baker/chef to own her own shop/restaurant, so anytime there was any food to be made- she was all over it. . . which, was probably their decoy.

Lucky for me, I grew up to master ramen noodles, mac n cheese, grilled cheese, frozen veggies and rice (in a rice cooker).

Annnd somehow, someway- in the eyes of my family, when I moved out on my own, I managed to survive. Possibly, by their account only from the jawbreakers' family, lunch and dinner at CP's for a few years, 14-11's amazing chef skills annnd the mom-cooked meals I went all the way home to enjoy.

BBUUUUT, somehow, someway- over the past couple years-I've actually managed to learn how to cook.

AND even learn to LOVE it!

I tell LBS on a regular basis that he needs to remind my family whenever he sees them that I actually CAN cook a D-E-LISH meal without burning down the house, or leaving out half the ingredients.

Without tooting my horn too much, I'm actually pretty good at coming up with my own plan and not following a recipe at all. Mostly, because I still can't really follow a recipe, but none the less- I CAN COOK!

AND! I'm proud of it!

Maybe someday soon I'll tackle a crazy baking recipe and manage it just fine. Until then- I'll stick to the meals.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

stalkerbook challenged

2011-02-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

The stalkerbook and I have a complete and utter LOVEslashHATE relationship.

Which- I don't think is much different then a lot of people that have succumbed to that light blue koolaid.

I wish, all the time, that I could delete it. MOST of it is worthless information that I can barely find time to spend engulfing. BUT, some of it is information that I really would only find out on facebook. Because the world expects that now: That people will find things out through this lack of personality infused, information medium.

For all the picture updates of my little nieces and my Figlette.
For the amazing photos the Tudster takes.
For the random catch-ups with silly people.
For the hilarious status updates a few friends dedicate their humor to.
For the adorable comments my friends leave about how happy I look in my new and improved life.
For the time I spend stalking people and embarrassing myself by filling my boredom with it.

For those reasons. I can't delete it.

But this post wasn't supposed to be about me.
Or my facebook.

More about, how incredibly facebook challenged my boyfriend is.

He's asked me multiple times for a facebook lesson. I almost agreed to it once, but I hate spending time on mine, why would I give lessons?

Usually, the only way he finds out anything has happened in his world of facebook is by me telling him. Most of the time, he'll say "How the hell do you know that?" And I'll say facebook! (duh!!)

I jokingly told him last night I was sad that he never wrote anything on my wall. He wanted to know where my wall was. (I'm pretty positive: as if I was claiming a wall in our house for him to write messages to me on.) [the resource would just be understood in most conversational cases]

Amelia Bedelia anyone?! I laughed and briefly described the wall/mini feed/status of stalkerbook.

But he still doesn't get it. He doesn't get why he needs facebook to tell ME things. Why can't he just text me?! (Oh the simple minds of men. You can put that in your books as one I can't answer LBS!)

I'm totally making the poor guy sound like a blubbering idiot. Which he isn't, believe me- he's extremely smart. He's just a pretty private person. He doesn't think his/our business is anyone's but just that. And he's very right.

I'm pretty positive he really could never, and will never be bothered by the social networking world.

It cracks me up.
and: I'm jealous.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

100 (+1) posts!

2011-02-11T15:24:00.002-05:00

I just happened to notice that my last post was my 100th post (making this on 100+1 posts) !

100 posts looked cute up there on the dashboard! I hope 100+ looks just as good!! (:

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

giraffe flu 2011

2011-02-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 3 am a super awesome cold, that did a spectacular job of toying with me for a week. I had been nursing the early symptoms with mass quantities of emergen-c and airborn, totally thinking I nabbed captain snot nose before he had time to whip behind his cape of achievement.

Well, last week those nasty vitamin drinks were the lifesavers but this day was his to win apparently.

My chest feels like it's going to cave in
My nose just runs and runs and runs.
My head most likely will explode at any minute.
Even though someone so kindly removed my tonsils years ago, I'm pretty sure I have razor blades in my throat.
And I ache. all over. like the end of a marathon ache. the kind that reminds you of body parts you're pretty sure never existed. the kind that no amount of NSAIDs can help.

I do shake the hands of lots of sick patients.
And use same restroom that they do.
And open the same doors that they put their grimy germ infected hands all over.
AND, I work in a hospital.
BUUUT I refuse to commit to the 15 bajillion times/day hand washing slash sanitizer rituals expected out of humans these days.

That being said: Minus the weird 18 hour on the verge-of-death-bug SUPER*STAR and I got this time last year- I have not had so much as a sniffle since the giraffe flu of 2009!

So yeah, ok- fine. I'll take this one for the team cold season. But this is a one time deal.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

written etiquette

2011-02-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

I tend to be a little cynical when it comes to proper use of the English language. Growing up around ESL, I obviously have a little more understanding for lack of a formal sentence, or improper tense- IN THAT CASE. Duh- you speak other languages! That's perfectly excusable. And mistakes happen- understand that too. And, like I've said before- I'm nowhere near perfect!!

I absolutely DESPISE, however, lack of formality in written exchange company to company (these days, mostly in eMails).

Generally, as a rule of thumb, I'd like to think that punctuation and grammar would be regarded highly in the exchange. Unless we're chummy. Obviously: then I don't care.

BUT, if I'm looking to hire you. . .or you're trying to sell me something. . .or you do consult work for me. . .or you represent an ENORMOUS COMPANY?! I would think- THEN, juuuust maybe, you'd care about the context of your eMails.

There really are honestly few things that perturb me more than a 14 liner consisting of one run on sentence with a million and/buts/because. Not even a comma to break it up a little bit. I also don't think words like "Cool!" or "ain't" should be inserted anywhere in the text.

I know, I know- I probably sound like a snob. About 12 ridiculously grammatically, incorrect eMails for the day are mostly to blame for this rant. It's just sort of annoying when I spend the time to write a properly formal eMail and get back questionable English that I can barely follow. There should be a national rule or something.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

one in a million (:

2011-02-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

LBS just got an iPhone.

And recently discovered "emoticons".

I suppose he could work on his typing skills. haha.

but, could he be any cuter!?

Don't think so.

I think I'll keep'im!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

why medicine should be left to the professionals

2011-02-04T13:00:00.001-05:00

91 year old male patient (Mr. X- who sounds 191) on the other line: "I have a very big problem. Now, listen, Ms. K- I have sent in my mail order for um, finnnn-aaaassss-ttride 2 times now and I don’t know where the medicine is”

Me: “So. . . .?! you haven’t received a package for it yet?”

Mr. X: “NO! They both came but now I can’t find the either bottles of medicine. And I don’t know what to do. Can I live without taking it because I haven’t taken it in 3 days.”

Me: “well you should be taking any medications exactly how they were prescribed to you. I will have Dr. W call in a script to your local pharmacy and if he has any concern about the days you missed, he will give you a call.”

Mr. X: “oh ok great”

We hang up.

2 seconds later phone rings with Mr. X on the caller ID

Me: “Hello Mr. X, is there something else I can do for you?”

Woman’s voice: “Hi [me], this ACTUALLY is Mr. X’s daughter and I am calling to explain the situation regarding his missing medication and to ask you NOT to refill a script for him.”

Uhh- come again?! Last I checked you weren’t his physician or even in the world of medicine at all!!

Me: “Well, I have to be honest, I’m a bit confused by this request. Any prescription given to a patient is most often pertinent to bettering their health, with a few exceptions of course. I think you should speak to Dr. W about your concerns and maybe he can answer any questions you have regarding Mr. X’s need for finasteride.”

Mr. X’s daughter: “I don’t have any questions about it. I think it’s absolutely inappropriate for a man my father’s age to be engaging in any sexual activity let alone taking stimulants on a regular basis to increase his sexual activity. I am embarrassed that this was even prescribed to him. The last thing I need is to walk in and find my parents naked and dead from a romp in the sack.”

ahhhhheeeeemmm!!!?? COME AGAIN, AGAIN!!! If only the fly on the wall had a camera to catch my expression. Holy Jesus woman, I don’t know what search engine you use, but IT MISINFORMED YOU!!!!

Me: “Ma’am, I cannot legally render any advice regarding your father’s health, but I am going to transfer you to Dr. W. so he can explain each medication your father is on and the implications behind each of them.

I didn’t give her a chance to answer, I just immediately put her on hold and went and explained the situation to Dr. W.

Seriously people!? Get your facts straight before you kill BOTH your parents! Prostate and penis are VERY ANATOMICALLY DIFFERENT!!!!

I mean at least we're all still laughing about it but man!!!

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

budget this

2011-02-02T14:08:00.002-05:00

Being that it's February:
January's budget is over!!!
And we're both still alive!
thank.you.baby.jesus.

I'm not going to lie. The first two weeks were were right on par with Mr. Ramsey's disclaimer. Chinese water torture would have been more fun.

My ~~neurotic~~ attention to every single detail self made me want to keep every single receipt and adjust the budget every night and use the 'envelope system' (literally putting the budgeted amount per category of cash in an envelope and using it until it runs out) and only eat rice & beans and pretty much not have any fun.

LBS however, is the pro at Dave Ramsey's plan (I refuse to understand it that in-depth. As I mentioned before, I'm not a kool-aid drinker) SOOO! After 2 weeks of dreaming in numbers, I caved in and followed his very ~~carefree/typical guy~~ effective (without wanting to scream) way of maintaining all whistles and bells of the program.

Low and BEHOLD !!

We managed to throw $1300 RIGHT IN THE FACE of the first check box on our debt list! (Paying it completely OFF!!)

AND still had around $200 left at the end of the month. (which Turbo tax so kindly managed right into their bank accounts for us- ain't they sweet!?!)

1 month down of our 288 paying off debt! YES!

If that's not enough reward to keep truckin', I don't know what is.

inspiration. . .expiration. . .

on breaking up with friends

2011-01-30T18:03:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I'm a pretty lucky girl in the friend department. It majorly sucks that my verrrry best friends are spread throughout the country ): BUT for the most part, I keep in touch pretty well with all of them and have even re-connected with some important ones from the past!

I sort of have this random, on-going convo with Biffle about how one would go about "breaking up with a friend" when you realize it's a one way street sort of friendship. Unfortunately for her, she is often my rock when it comes to difficult times with other close friends.

Emmalove (my girlfriend from JAX) recently challenged my ability to maintain my position as her best friend. She's in a heap of trouble after making an extremely bad decision last summer by getting a DUI (still months later dealing with the issue). And even began to seemingly forget about me when she started dating and ultimately: "falling in love" with a long time college friend of mine. I feel like a terrible person, like I gave up on someone that I love but I honestly don't know if I had any other choice.

I can proudly say that I have always been an ear for Emmalove to vent to and an opinion she can ask for and most likely value. I tried so hard, in so many ways express my concern for her lack luster attitude when it came to fixing this dui problem and even offered endless solutions to her internal quarrels with the current condition of her life. It seemed however, that my efforts- especially more recently, had been pushed to the wayside, forgotten and even ignored.

I realized, very quickly after she and G.W. (my college friend) became a couple that, although he is a genuinely nice guy, I don't think the relationship is good for her. His 'leave it to beaver' lifestyle promotes a phony outlook on life. She turns to him as an escape from her troubling reality and allows him to help mask her pain without even knowing the entire situation well, if at all. She has made quite an effort to be part of his life, and less and less a part of mine- which has burned quite a big scar on my heart.

I understand she is going through a lot, and for that I have expected close to nothing and continually supported her no matter what. I even had a long phone conversation with G.W, pleading for him to not persuade her to move in with him. . . to help her realize her best bet was to stay in JAX, finish school (since it is free with her scholarships), get her dui out of the way while she utilized her only family member- her dad, as an unconditional support. He assured me that he had her best interest in mind and I believed him. Much to my dismay, these past months have proved to me that his wants and extrordinary need for attention have clouded his will to let her productively and appropriately gain back her life.

I know it seems petty and childish, but she never even called me on my birthday back in August. I never expected a present or even a card considering her situation, but a phone call couldn't be too hard. She apologized profusely, explaining that she was in a bad place and just couldn't get her act togther. I tried to forget about it and forgive her. A few times this fall, we told eachother we would attempt to visit. I was in a tough place with a car that kept breaking and I knew she should be making money the best she could, so we kept putting off getting together until we thought it could be a little more feasilble. Sometime toward the end of October, I asked if she could come with me to Charleston. I offered to go to Jax and pick her up and also bring her back home. She said she couldn't get time off work. I was bummed, but never argued the point. The following weekend, she did everything in her power to get the weekend off to go up to Kansas to meet G.W for the first time for a military ball. I was hurt, considering she had never met him- but I in fact had set them up and figured it was a once in a lifetime experience, so she should go.

From that weekend on, I was on the backburner. She visited G.W. often (a plane ride away that he always paid for). We rarely spoke and when we did all I could think about was how I didn't like she and G.W. together. But, she's a big girl-- she has to make her own decisions right?! I advised her the best I could without intentionally hurting her feelings. Somethings I said she didn't want to hear though, so I'm sure in turn I ended up hurting her. I didn't approve of how much work she took off. If G.W. really LOVED her then he would understand her need to stay working- to pay her dad back for bailing her out of jail, to pay off her fines, save up for a new car (since she totalled hers), insurance and start her community service. It just didn't make sense to me.

I kept thinking she was in all her glory playing house with him and I should let her be happy and just be happy for her, maybe it would wear off- but I wasn't able to feel happy once!

I barely heard from her over the holidays, but understood she was away in Cali with G.W. and probably barely had time to call. The weekend she got back, she came up to GA where G.W. lives and, to she and his props-- they both drove the hour and forty five minutes so she could see me for the first time in MONTHS!

When they got to my house, I was immediately stressed by the fact that G.W. had brought his puppy without asking if it was ok, and they quickly sprung the question could they stay the night on me. Maybe I was stupid for not immediately voicing my concerns, but the joy of seeing her completely hazed any opinion.

The stress hovering the entire visit was that LBS is severly allergic to dogs, my sister was already on her way to visit me for the weekend (driving down from Vermont and expected to be at my house around 7am) I had to BE AT WORK at 8am and on top of all that I had to share my FINALLY seeing Emmalove, with G.W. She later explained to me, I acted the entire time like I couldn't wait for her to leave. I never intentionally did this, but can understand how it would have come off in that manner.

The following weekend she asked me what my weekend looked like and explained that she was coming up for G.W's birthday and wanted to surprise me but couldn't hold it in. I fumed inside knowing she did nothing for my day, but again, swallowed it all. I didn't hear from her the entire weekend -which, unfortunately, was just the cherry topper on the cake of endless let downs.

I decided at that point that I can't be let down by her empty promises any more. We "broke-up" via text. She said she didn't feel like she was a good enough person to be friends with me right now. Which I knew was bullshit- she just didn't want to make time for someone else in her life when she had someone buying her things and catering to her 24/7. Sounds like a bunch of high school drama right? I know. It's pretty lame.

I just don't approve of the decisions she has been making and the path she is paving for herself. I love her like a sister but felt as if I was raising a teenager.

The past 3 weeks have felt like part of me is missing. She's every 3rd picture in the apartment and I've debated changing them; it just seems so juvenile. Part of me thinks I should work it out with her, but I don't have the energy to try and fix something that is shattered. Maybe someday everything can be back to normal, but until she makes time for priorities, I have to protect my own wellbeing. ):

inspiration. . .expiration. . .