Some of the most important words I have ever read.
1. If your goal is to have a satisfying marriage with longevity, make sure you are accountable for the part you play in the relationship—good or bad. When you are in denial about your part in the relationship then you are no better than a child flinging sand at another child in a sandbox. When you take responsibility for your part in the marriage, only then will you be able to connect with your partner in a mature, intimate way. - Carin Goldstein, LMFT
2. Research consistently shows that touching more creates a stronger bond by releasing oxytocin. Hold hands, rub shoulders, hug, kiss, give high-fives or even fist-bumps or bottom pats. When you give a quick hug or kiss, try to lengthen it to at least 5 or 10 seconds for more effective results! – Lorrie Lowe
3. Learn how to agree to disagree. No two people agree on everything, and that's okay, but it's important to be okay with each other's differences. - Lee Bowers, LP, PhD
4. Sometimes it's not about the amount of money you spend on a gift, it's about the thought that goes into something. Take the time to write a thoughtful note every so often saying what you love and appreciate about him/her. Drop it in his/her briefcase or purse so he/she will find it unexpectedly and it will brighten up his/her day. - Suzanne K. Oshima, Dating Coach
5. For men, it's important to understand that women want to be listened to. Men don't need to solve or fix everything; listening itself is an exceptional gift. For women, it's important to understand that men need time for themselves. By giving him space to pull away and not taking it personally, you allow him to reconnect with his desire for you and his commitment to the relationship. - MarsVenus Coaching, Life Coach
6. The biggest waste of effort in a marriage is trying to change your spouse, since the problems you have with your spouse are generally problems you have in yourself. When you try to change your spouse you come across as a nag and wind up sending the message that 'who you are is not enough.' Nobody likes getting that message, and it leads to distance and polarization. Let your spouse be who he or she is and focus on changing yourself. - Dr. Rick Kirschner, Relationship Coach
7. See problems—boredom in the bedroom, lack of conversations, resentment—as symptoms and treat those symptoms just as you would treat a chronic illness that seemingly has no cure. Throw at it every possible remedy you've got, no matter how alternative or weird it seems. Chances are one or more of them will actually work and your marriage will get stronger and stronger. - Alisa Bowman, Relationship Coach
8. Next time you argue with your partner, drop the shaming, blaming, needing to be right, and really listen without interrupting. Then communicate how you feel, using "I" statements. It's not your partner's job to read your mind, guess what you're thinking, or put words into your mouth. These are huge obstacles to open, honest communication and will guarantee resentment, anger, and frustration in the relationship. - Sharon Rivkin, MA, MFT
9. In order to strengthen your marriage, learn to recognize that most arguments have shared responsibility, that both people have valid points and valid reasons for their feelings. - Kathy Morelli, LPC
10. Fair is not a four letter word. You may have forgotten about fairness, but now's the time to bring it back into your relationship. Are you both being fair when it comes to divvying up chores, communicating your needs, expressing dissatisfaction, dealing with finances, parenting, and supporting one another? If not, how can you improve and bring fairness back to the relationship? - Lisa Steadman, Dating and Relationship Coach
11. Nothing is more important in a marriage than the relationship between husband and wife. When other things become more important, such as careers, children, and personal pursuits, trouble sets in. Make the relationship your top priority. When you do, the marriage flourishes. - Cathy Meyer, CPC, MCC
12. Are you creating more pleasurable interactions in your marriage, or are you making it painful or unpleasant for your spouse? If your spouse treats you with kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control, it's easy for you to respond kindly If you are treated badly, with anger, impatience, etc., it's difficult to be nice in return. Focus on how you can be a blessing to your spouse and in turn you will be blessed, and so will your marriage. - Mack Harris, Marriage Educator
13. Never begin a sentence with the word 'you'. Instead start with the word "I" and then share your feelings instead of your thoughts. This is not as easy as it sounds because we all disguise a lot of thoughts as feelings, as in "I feel like you are avoiding me." Genuine feelings are sad, angry, happy, lonely, frustrated, etc... and sharing your core feelings creates better communication, and more connection and compassion. - Veronica Monet, ACS, CAM
14. Change your focus to one of learning to appreciate your partner. - Michelle Poll, CPC, MA
15. Let go of criticism and blame. Focus on what there is to appreciate about your mate, then honestly and spontaneously express your specific appreciation to them. It's also good to do this for yourself. - Judith Joyce, Life Coach
16. Never lose the fine art of dating. Setting aside a romantic evening on a regular basis can rekindle the magic of a long-term relationship. It doesn't have to be fancy, just special time for the two of you to remember how and why you first fell in love. - by John Sovec, LMFT
17. Have regular times, even if it's just for 15 minutes, to check in on your relationship and what you appreciate about each other. No talk about kids, schedules, etc. allowed. - Mary Kay Aide, MS
18. Love your marriage by first taking care of yourself. So many of my patients say the reason their marriage fell apart is that they became depressed and disinterested in their partner. If you keep working on you, your marriage will stay fresh and vital. Start today by adding a new wedding vow to your list: Promise to take care of yourself so you will continue to age with grace and confidence by your partner's side. - Mary Jo Rapini, LPC
19. Recognize that your husband or wife is mirroring back to you who you are; so take whatever you're upset with him/her about and use it to help yourself look squarely at what you need to do in order to grow and evolve—the relationship will thrive! - Ilene Dillon, LCSW, LMFT
20. Take time to have some fun together every day! With today's hectic schedules, it's easy to find your marriage at the bottom of the priority list. Take a walk and hold hands (nature calms), couple-cook (food fight!), exercise together (tennis or dancing maybe?) or just collect a "Daily Joke" to share. It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you make the commitment and effort to laugh together as often as possible, it can sweeten your connection and cement your relationship for life. - Melodie Tucker, CPC
21. It's your spouse's job to walk the dog in the morning, but today when you discover dog poop on the kitchen floor, clean-up makes you late for work. Before you get mad or assign blame, take a breath and ask your partner for his or her perspective. "I'm puzzled about what happened with Spot this morning," is a gentle way to start a conversation. - Jean Fitzpatrick. L.P
22. Make a list of three of the happiest moments in your marriage. Spend a few minutes each day briefly reliving those moments in your mind. The results will amaze you. - Lucia, Dating Coach
23. You can change your relationship for the better by increasing the use of the following statements: "I love you", "I'm here for you", "I understand", "I'm sorry", "Thank you", "I really appreciate all that you do", "It's so nice to see you", "That was quite an accomplishment!" - Gina Spielman
24. Appreciate your partner at least five times each day. Appreciate them from your heart about who they are at their essence. Leave gratitude in love notes, hide them so they will find them, or look deeply into their eyes and tell them. Be creative! - Linda Marie, RN, BSN
25. In order to keep the spark alive and avoid "roommate syndrome," couples have to understand the notion of spending "time" together versus creating "sacred" time together. Spending time at social events, time with family and doing "chores" together does not count as sacred time. Instead, carve out special time to not only be intimate, but also ensure that you continue to share new experiences together such as hiking, exploring someplace new, or arranging a stay-cation in your own city. - Marni Battista, CPC
26. Compliment your spouse everyday! A compliment is a sign of acknowledgment and appreciation. Make an effort to affirm your spouse's value in life, and in love. - Nicole Johnson, Dating and Relationship Coach
27. Create a clear vision of your shared future together. Sit down, listen to each other and write out how you want your future as a couple to look. It's much easier to create your best relationship together if both people's needs are voiced, heard and supported by their partner. - Eve Agee, PhD
28. Censor every impulse to blame or criticize your partner, do everything you can to support your partner's well-being, and respect your partner as you would your best friend. - John Gerson, Ph.D
29. You need to date your mate: date night is sacred and special and should be on the same day of the week every week. One week the wife should suggest the date idea and the husband should come up with the date night plan for the opposite week. This encourages both the husband and wife to be invested in date night. - Julie Spira, Dating and Relationship Coach
30. Learn and practice Tantra. - Judith Condon
31. Communication and time together are the keys to strengthening marriages. Impossible to imagine one without the other! - Lori Edelson, LMSW, LMFT
32. One of the most important factors in a good marriage is respect. Respect each other, avoid verbal abuse, and keep insults to yourself. Bad words are just like squeezing toothpaste out of its tube—once it is out you can never get it back in again. - Georgia Panayi, MBA
33. Set aside 10 minutes a day to talk to your partner. Ask what her favorite movie is and why, ask him to recall a happy memory from childhood, ask her what she'd like to be remembered for, ask him to name the three worst songs of all time. Do it at dinner, before bed, or anytime—as long as you do it for 10 minutes every day. This simple change infuses relationships with new life. - Dr. Terri Orbuch, Ph.D
34. You can have control or you can have connection with your partner, but you can't have both. Pursue connection! - Lee Horton, Ph.D
35. Every week if possible, go out on a date just like you did before you were married. Select an activity where the two of you can interact, talk, and just be together enjoying each other's company (not a movie!). End your date in the bedroom. Works like a charm! - Ann Robbins, CRC
36. Couples often lose each other because of their busy lives: work, children, computers, and separate male/female activities. A healthy marriage is one that has a mix of individual, family, and couple time. The amount of each may be different for each couple, but the mix is necessary to keep a functional marriage. - Michele Seligman LCSW, BCD
37. Our brains are the only organ in the human body which do not self regulate, but need to be in connection with another brain for healing. Sit face-to-face and gaze into your lover's eyes in order to allow the limbic system to relax. This will bring you closer and create the deepest sort of intimacy. - Mary Kay Cocharo, LMFT
38. When you first see each other at the end of your respective days, before you do anything else, hold each other without speaking for at least 60 seconds. By doing so you remind each other's old/reptilian brains that you are a source of pleasure and comfort. It's simple, it's easy to do, and it will make a world of difference. - Laura Marshall, LCSW
39. Preface important communication with a simple yet effective introduction, such as: "Honey, I'm confused about your response to my plans for a weekend hunting trip with the guys. When would be a good time to talk further?" My relationship coaching clients have found that prefacing their remarks encourages a better, more accommodating reaction from their partner. - Greg R. Thiel, MA
40. On those ever-important date nights, remember to be a wife first and a critic second. Every time you open your mouth to complain about something—whether it's the food, the service, the movie, the weather, whatever—some part of your partner feels he's failing because you aren't having a great time. Men are happiest when they can please their woman! Save the full critique for your girlfriends and in meantime, let him see the best in you. - Delaine Moore, Dating and Relationship Coach
41. Lean in. When it gets hard in a relationship, our tendency is to protect ourselves, to retreat, to "lean out." Leaning out when your partner reaches out creates distance and dissonance. If instead you "lean in" to the uncomfortable feelings, to the unknown and your own vulnerability, and meet your partner, you can actually strengthen your relationship through the struggles you face together. - Christine Arylo, Life Coach
42. Accept your partner exactly as they are today. Don't try to change him/her. - Ellen Hartson
43. When your partner tells you something (about you) that is bothering him—reflect back what he is saying. When we "mirror", this helps us not feel as defensive and allows us the opportunity to better understand what he is trying to communicate. - Anne Crowley, Ph.D
44. The best way to strengthen a marriage is to support and assist each other in being the best you can be. A strong marriage is one in which both people understand that the other person needs to have outside interests and activities which help them to feel happy and fulfilled. A strong marriage is one where both people understand that it is more important to be happy than it is to be right. - Dr. Joe Amoia
45. Have you lost that loving feeling? Step 1: Write down 10 qualities you loved about your partner when you first met and read it to each other. Step 2: Brainstorm a list of 10 fun things you did together when you first met; do one date per week and enjoy bringing back that loving feeling! - Tasha Dimling, Dating Coach, MBA
46. You're entitled to the occasional bad mood. You're not entitled to make your partner the whipping boy. - Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW
47. A strong marriage is a partnership in trust. Trust your partner in everything, including purchases and financial decisions, and to bring up things with you that need a joint decision. If you can't do that, the two of you have a problem. - Donald Pelles, Ph.D., CHt
48. Always remember that life is long. In the heat of the moment, what feels super important will likely fade in importance as time goes by. Before you react by yelling, tossing insults or unkind words, remember that "This, too, shall pass". In fact, recent studies have shown that even the most unhappiest of couples report being very happy five years later. So don't let one unfortunate incident, difficult argument or challenging moment destroy your lifetime of happiness. - Melanie Gorman, MA
49. A woman needs her partner to spend time giving her his full attention and looking directly into her eyes. When she receives this, she can easily get in touch with her feelings of love for her husband and becomes much more receptive to his needs. This is how intimacy can be fulfilling for both people...magical even! - Linda Wiggins, Executive Director for RelationSync
50. Use character-related words that honor your spouse for such qualities as patience, helpfulness, courage, or kindness. Create regular opportunities for fun, laughter, and positive experiences. Figure out what communicates love to each other and do that. Be observant and thoughtful with little things and even do chores that the other dislikes. Consciously doing what opens and softens your spouse's heart will benefit you both in the long-run and keep your marriage happier. - Susanne Alexander
February 11, 2011
January 12, 2011
Reflections
Let's take a look at 2010, shall we?
So I love surveys, and this one is perfect for looking back!
Enjoy.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Lost weight. I mean lose weight and keep it off. 20lbs baby! Please disregard that candy bar I just ate... it was a long week!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any last year. This year I have made it a focus and have been successful so far.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not super close to me, but practically everyone at work has either had a baby or is currently pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
5. What vacations did you take?
We took a cruise in August with my parents and Zach's. It was an amazing good time.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
No debt. Working on it now. Just a few things to pay back and we are good.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
12/25 - I got to spend Christmas at home with my parents for the first time in 7 years.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Losing weight.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My self esteem was at an all time low this year. It's one of my goals this year to work to get it back up.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had some tumbles due to the lethal combination of 4 inch heels and vodka. Nothing that I could brush off and pretend nothing happened.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Wood floors for the house. It was an amazing transformation.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
A co-workers. He became much more confident in his abilities and a lot less cranky! :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Brett Favre...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Who knows... not in in the right places.
15. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
Becker Family Christmas
Family Cruise
16. What songs will always remind you of 2010?
Tonight's Going To Be A Good Night - BEP
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or Sadder? Happier
- Thinner or Fatter? Much thinner. Thank you South Beach!
- Richer or Poorer? Neutral.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taken time off and not been so busy.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being self critical and passive aggressive.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with the Becker/Webb family!! Always, Always a fun family time full of chaos, shenanigans, and food.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Mom and Michele. But I am not a big phone talker.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Yes, with a size 6.
23. Where did you spend most of your time?
Work. Here in America we live to work and not the other way around... I really wish it was not that way. I can't wait for the time when I can spend the majority of time at home.
24. What did you watch on TV this year?
Glee, Project Runway, How I Met Your Mother, Biggest Loser, Housewives shows, Snapped, and reality junk. We also watched the Lost series, Dexter and True Blood.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. I don't hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of Jodi Picoult's books and enjoyed them all. Twilight Saga.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
None really.
28. What did you want and get?
An iphone, a new floor, a real Christmas tree.
29. What did you want and not get?
mum is the word on that one.
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
True Grit, The Fighter, Eclipse, Deathly Hallows Part 1.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out with some close friends and had some drinks. I turned 29.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More money.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
It got much better when I didn't have to be ashamed of my body as much this year. I continued, however, with my staple - the cardigan.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most/least?
Most - Sandra Bullock, the epitome of grace
Least - Brett Favre, slime
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Do I have to pick one? Anything that had to do with Obama.
Also the legislation preventing freedom of speech against funeral protesters. Don't get me wrong, I think they should burn in hell, but it is a slippery slope when we start denying people of their first amendment right.
37. Whom did you miss?
My family, a lot this year.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My Ecomm girls at work. They are a riot and I never leave the night without my cheeks sore from smiling.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Communicate.
40. Quote a song for 2011:
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
So I love surveys, and this one is perfect for looking back!
Enjoy.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Lost weight. I mean lose weight and keep it off. 20lbs baby! Please disregard that candy bar I just ate... it was a long week!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any last year. This year I have made it a focus and have been successful so far.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not super close to me, but practically everyone at work has either had a baby or is currently pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
5. What vacations did you take?
We took a cruise in August with my parents and Zach's. It was an amazing good time.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
No debt. Working on it now. Just a few things to pay back and we are good.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
12/25 - I got to spend Christmas at home with my parents for the first time in 7 years.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Losing weight.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My self esteem was at an all time low this year. It's one of my goals this year to work to get it back up.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had some tumbles due to the lethal combination of 4 inch heels and vodka. Nothing that I could brush off and pretend nothing happened.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Wood floors for the house. It was an amazing transformation.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
A co-workers. He became much more confident in his abilities and a lot less cranky! :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Brett Favre...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Who knows... not in in the right places.
15. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
Becker Family Christmas
Family Cruise
16. What songs will always remind you of 2010?
Tonight's Going To Be A Good Night - BEP
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or Sadder? Happier
- Thinner or Fatter? Much thinner. Thank you South Beach!
- Richer or Poorer? Neutral.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taken time off and not been so busy.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being self critical and passive aggressive.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with the Becker/Webb family!! Always, Always a fun family time full of chaos, shenanigans, and food.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Mom and Michele. But I am not a big phone talker.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Yes, with a size 6.
23. Where did you spend most of your time?
Work. Here in America we live to work and not the other way around... I really wish it was not that way. I can't wait for the time when I can spend the majority of time at home.
24. What did you watch on TV this year?
Glee, Project Runway, How I Met Your Mother, Biggest Loser, Housewives shows, Snapped, and reality junk. We also watched the Lost series, Dexter and True Blood.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. I don't hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of Jodi Picoult's books and enjoyed them all. Twilight Saga.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
None really.
28. What did you want and get?
An iphone, a new floor, a real Christmas tree.
29. What did you want and not get?
mum is the word on that one.
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
True Grit, The Fighter, Eclipse, Deathly Hallows Part 1.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out with some close friends and had some drinks. I turned 29.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More money.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
It got much better when I didn't have to be ashamed of my body as much this year. I continued, however, with my staple - the cardigan.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most/least?
Most - Sandra Bullock, the epitome of grace
Least - Brett Favre, slime
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Do I have to pick one? Anything that had to do with Obama.
Also the legislation preventing freedom of speech against funeral protesters. Don't get me wrong, I think they should burn in hell, but it is a slippery slope when we start denying people of their first amendment right.
37. Whom did you miss?
My family, a lot this year.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My Ecomm girls at work. They are a riot and I never leave the night without my cheeks sore from smiling.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Communicate.
40. Quote a song for 2011:
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
January 3, 2011
New Year New Entry
What better way to start off the new year than by restarting the blog. I know my 1 faithful follower will be so excited!
Hmmm, what should my topic be for today? Ah Yes, outlining my New Year's Resolutions for 2011. I know - pretty original right?
Resolutions are usually so generic and things that don't really make a difference in your overall life. For example, my gym will be dripping with people today after work. Thanks in advance for making me (whow doesn't need a resolution to work out) work through lunch and leave early (just to make sure I can get on a machine) for the next month. Because lets be honest, those resolutions last for a month and then you are back to the same hum drum way you have been living your life until the next January when you make them all over again.
This year I am making a conceited effort to change myself. I figure the more I put this in writing, the more of a chance I have of holding myself accountable to them.
1. Display Self Control
This could mean a lot of different things. For one, drinking - calm down girlfriend... you are almost 30. It is time to stop acting like you are 21. I don't want this to sound like I am in need of rehab. That is not even close to the case. I just have a tendency to not stop drinking even once I am tipsy and then I move into annoying Kristin and not the adorable charming and not to mention funny Kristin that I typically am. Once I get to that point, I am the only person that sees myself that way. This also means from just glutinous behavior like the fact that there are a million candy bars and chocolate treats around me and holding myself back from shoving them all in my face at once.
2. Improve My Self-Esteem
Over the last year I have lost 20 lbs... ok, I am finished patting myself on the back now. You would think that would go a long way for a person's self-esteem. I guess I am the exception. I really need to take steps to see myself in a better light and not to be so down on myself all the time about the way I look.
3. Eliminate My Passive Aggressiveness
This is a huge one for me. I have always known that I am, but it not until recently that I have seen how that can negatively affect those around me. It probably stems from #2, but it is not an excuse for it - anymore. I am going to make huge changes in the way that I express myself in this way. It is not healthy for me or for those around me for it to continue any longer.
So, if you have not already noticed, my resolutions spell out D.I.E. My husband laughed out loud when I emailed them to him. He thinks it is hilarious that my resolution for 2011 is to D.I.E.
Hmmm, what should my topic be for today? Ah Yes, outlining my New Year's Resolutions for 2011. I know - pretty original right?
Resolutions are usually so generic and things that don't really make a difference in your overall life. For example, my gym will be dripping with people today after work. Thanks in advance for making me (whow doesn't need a resolution to work out) work through lunch and leave early (just to make sure I can get on a machine) for the next month. Because lets be honest, those resolutions last for a month and then you are back to the same hum drum way you have been living your life until the next January when you make them all over again.
This year I am making a conceited effort to change myself. I figure the more I put this in writing, the more of a chance I have of holding myself accountable to them.
1. Display Self Control
This could mean a lot of different things. For one, drinking - calm down girlfriend... you are almost 30. It is time to stop acting like you are 21. I don't want this to sound like I am in need of rehab. That is not even close to the case. I just have a tendency to not stop drinking even once I am tipsy and then I move into annoying Kristin and not the adorable charming and not to mention funny Kristin that I typically am. Once I get to that point, I am the only person that sees myself that way. This also means from just glutinous behavior like the fact that there are a million candy bars and chocolate treats around me and holding myself back from shoving them all in my face at once.
2. Improve My Self-Esteem
Over the last year I have lost 20 lbs... ok, I am finished patting myself on the back now. You would think that would go a long way for a person's self-esteem. I guess I am the exception. I really need to take steps to see myself in a better light and not to be so down on myself all the time about the way I look.
3. Eliminate My Passive Aggressiveness
This is a huge one for me. I have always known that I am, but it not until recently that I have seen how that can negatively affect those around me. It probably stems from #2, but it is not an excuse for it - anymore. I am going to make huge changes in the way that I express myself in this way. It is not healthy for me or for those around me for it to continue any longer.
So, if you have not already noticed, my resolutions spell out D.I.E. My husband laughed out loud when I emailed them to him. He thinks it is hilarious that my resolution for 2011 is to D.I.E.
September 9, 2010
Sucker for Surveys
Thanks Heather... I too am a sucker for these. I don't really know why but I love them. And I don't care if you don't like them, I am gonna do it!
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face.
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I used to have one in every color when I taught dance. A perk of the job was dressing comfortable all the time. But now my favorite is my black Bengals Hoodie. Who Dey!
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes. Forever and always.
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes, now that I have lost some weight, I have very few options in my closet. Buy more you say? I still have a bit to go, so I don't want to have to buy clothes twice. I guess I should say that my checking account doesn't want me to buy clothes twice.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Ok, a little bit of a sinus headache and some serious drainage. Sorry cube-mates.
6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red? The top to my amazing sugar free french vanilla coffee creamer.
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having. I had a dream that I was teaching dance again. It made me happy.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes, my new best friend. Not really, but a woman I only know in passing called me skinny minny and asked me what I have been doing, because I look great! Woot Woot.
9. What are you craving right now? A chocolate chip cookie dough shake with chocolate milk from UDF. That is probably just the South Beach talking...
10. Do you floss daily? Sure don't.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Napa, the best chicken salad ever.
12. Are you emotional? Yes, I can be. But I try to contain the crazy
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? I seriously doubt it...
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I have sensitive teeth. Biting it is like biting down on a fork and feeling that zing through your entire body. On a side note, I do love to bite on foil. Love that zing.
15. Do you like your hair? For the most part. This rain, however, is making me want to retract that statement.
16. Do you like yourself? Yes
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes, I think that would be thoroughly entertaining.
18. What are you listening to right now? The click click of my mouse as I delete what Heather had previously written. Oh, and myself sniffing.
19. Are your parents strict? They claim they weren't. I claim they were. I had a curfew when I was home in the summer from college. You be the judge.
20. Would you go sky diving? Not unless it was the only thing that I could do to save my family and/or dogs. Or if I was offered a significant sum of cash.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes. I hate it when I think about what it is. And surprisingly the texture does not bother me.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? I met Pete Delkus. He is a meteorologist in Dallas. He is pretty much a big deal. I have also taken dance workshops from the SYTYCD people back in the day.
23. Do you rent movies often? NETFLIX! Can't live without it now.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My engagement and wedding rings... oh and a sign that someone got me that says "I'm so glam, I sweat glitter". It is covered in rhinestones and a valid statement.
25. How many countries have you visited? 2. Mexico and Canada.
26. Have you made a prank phone call? Haven't we all
27. Ever been on a train? Yes
28. Brown or white eggs? There really is no difference, but I always get white.
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes, but it typically disguises itself as facebook or twitter.
30. Do you use chap stick? I try to, but I mostly use lipstick and gloss because my lips are so pale I look deceased without it.
31. Do you own a gun? Yes, well, by association. But I know how to use it and it is my best friend when my husband is out of town. Burglars beware.
32. Can you use chop sticks? No. In fact, I used to carry around those kiddie converter gadgets that they put on kids chopsticks to they can use them. I am not ashamed.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? I do Heather... I will be with a bunch of sweaty asians at the gym and then at home with my hubby and pups.
34. Are you too forgiving? No, but I think most people deserve a second chance. It is that third chance that it is doozie.
35. Ever been in love? Nope, just wanted the ring.
36. What are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Softball game for work. Calm down, I am not playing. I know that you were like, wait... she doesn't do organized sports. I keep score for all the athletic ones at work and cheer them on. After that, we will be hanging out with our best friends Brian and Michele.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Don't think so.
38. Last time you cried? Last week. Got a bit emotional on the cruise for no reason other than the 5 long island iced teas I had consumed. Sorry Zach.
39. What was the last question you asked? To myself, "When was the last time I cried?"
40. Favorite time of the year? In Texas, there aren't really defined times of year other than Summer (for 8 months) and finter (a fall and winter love child consisting of Thanksgiving and Christmas). I love summer for the weekend boating adventures, but I really love fall. I miss it living in Texas.
41. Do you have any tattoos? Nope
42. Are you sarcastic? Nope. {insert sarcasm here}
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yes.
44. Ever walked into a wall? No, just a refrigerator. Long story.
45. Fave color? Orange.
46. Have you ever been slapped by someone? No, but I have been slapped by a burrito.
47. Is your hair curly? No...straight as a stick
48. What was the last CD you bought? Toadies - Feeler on itunes.
49. Do looks matter? Anyone that says they don't is lying
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Hmmm...that's a tough one. Probably not
51. Is your phone bill sky high? 2 iphones... you do the math.
52. Do you like your life right now? Yes.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? I like to fall asleep with it on, Zach hates that.
54. Can you handle the truth? Better than I can handle a lie.
55. Do you have good vision? With contacts...
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? No.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? I must admit I hate talking on the phone. Don't know why, just do. I talk on my phone every few days.
58. The last person you held hands with? Zach.
59. What are you wearing? Lucky Jeans (with a baggy butt) a gray ruffled shirt (too big), a blue cardigan (sadly too big as well) and gray flats. Come to think of it, I look like a short homeless person. Now I want to change. Thanks for that.
61. Can you hula hoop? No, I lost this skill with old age
62. Do you have a job? Yes!
62. What was the most recent thing you bought? Groceries. My life is so exciting, right?
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face.
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I used to have one in every color when I taught dance. A perk of the job was dressing comfortable all the time. But now my favorite is my black Bengals Hoodie. Who Dey!
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes. Forever and always.
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes, now that I have lost some weight, I have very few options in my closet. Buy more you say? I still have a bit to go, so I don't want to have to buy clothes twice. I guess I should say that my checking account doesn't want me to buy clothes twice.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Ok, a little bit of a sinus headache and some serious drainage. Sorry cube-mates.
6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red? The top to my amazing sugar free french vanilla coffee creamer.
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having. I had a dream that I was teaching dance again. It made me happy.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes, my new best friend. Not really, but a woman I only know in passing called me skinny minny and asked me what I have been doing, because I look great! Woot Woot.
9. What are you craving right now? A chocolate chip cookie dough shake with chocolate milk from UDF. That is probably just the South Beach talking...
10. Do you floss daily? Sure don't.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Napa, the best chicken salad ever.
12. Are you emotional? Yes, I can be. But I try to contain the crazy
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? I seriously doubt it...
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I have sensitive teeth. Biting it is like biting down on a fork and feeling that zing through your entire body. On a side note, I do love to bite on foil. Love that zing.
15. Do you like your hair? For the most part. This rain, however, is making me want to retract that statement.
16. Do you like yourself? Yes
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes, I think that would be thoroughly entertaining.
18. What are you listening to right now? The click click of my mouse as I delete what Heather had previously written. Oh, and myself sniffing.
19. Are your parents strict? They claim they weren't. I claim they were. I had a curfew when I was home in the summer from college. You be the judge.
20. Would you go sky diving? Not unless it was the only thing that I could do to save my family and/or dogs. Or if I was offered a significant sum of cash.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes. I hate it when I think about what it is. And surprisingly the texture does not bother me.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? I met Pete Delkus. He is a meteorologist in Dallas. He is pretty much a big deal. I have also taken dance workshops from the SYTYCD people back in the day.
23. Do you rent movies often? NETFLIX! Can't live without it now.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My engagement and wedding rings... oh and a sign that someone got me that says "I'm so glam, I sweat glitter". It is covered in rhinestones and a valid statement.
25. How many countries have you visited? 2. Mexico and Canada.
26. Have you made a prank phone call? Haven't we all
27. Ever been on a train? Yes
28. Brown or white eggs? There really is no difference, but I always get white.
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes, but it typically disguises itself as facebook or twitter.
30. Do you use chap stick? I try to, but I mostly use lipstick and gloss because my lips are so pale I look deceased without it.
31. Do you own a gun? Yes, well, by association. But I know how to use it and it is my best friend when my husband is out of town. Burglars beware.
32. Can you use chop sticks? No. In fact, I used to carry around those kiddie converter gadgets that they put on kids chopsticks to they can use them. I am not ashamed.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? I do Heather... I will be with a bunch of sweaty asians at the gym and then at home with my hubby and pups.
34. Are you too forgiving? No, but I think most people deserve a second chance. It is that third chance that it is doozie.
35. Ever been in love? Nope, just wanted the ring.
36. What are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Softball game for work. Calm down, I am not playing. I know that you were like, wait... she doesn't do organized sports. I keep score for all the athletic ones at work and cheer them on. After that, we will be hanging out with our best friends Brian and Michele.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Don't think so.
38. Last time you cried? Last week. Got a bit emotional on the cruise for no reason other than the 5 long island iced teas I had consumed. Sorry Zach.
39. What was the last question you asked? To myself, "When was the last time I cried?"
40. Favorite time of the year? In Texas, there aren't really defined times of year other than Summer (for 8 months) and finter (a fall and winter love child consisting of Thanksgiving and Christmas). I love summer for the weekend boating adventures, but I really love fall. I miss it living in Texas.
41. Do you have any tattoos? Nope
42. Are you sarcastic? Nope. {insert sarcasm here}
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yes.
44. Ever walked into a wall? No, just a refrigerator. Long story.
45. Fave color? Orange.
46. Have you ever been slapped by someone? No, but I have been slapped by a burrito.
47. Is your hair curly? No...straight as a stick
48. What was the last CD you bought? Toadies - Feeler on itunes.
49. Do looks matter? Anyone that says they don't is lying
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Hmmm...that's a tough one. Probably not
51. Is your phone bill sky high? 2 iphones... you do the math.
52. Do you like your life right now? Yes.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? I like to fall asleep with it on, Zach hates that.
54. Can you handle the truth? Better than I can handle a lie.
55. Do you have good vision? With contacts...
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? No.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? I must admit I hate talking on the phone. Don't know why, just do. I talk on my phone every few days.
58. The last person you held hands with? Zach.
59. What are you wearing? Lucky Jeans (with a baggy butt) a gray ruffled shirt (too big), a blue cardigan (sadly too big as well) and gray flats. Come to think of it, I look like a short homeless person. Now I want to change. Thanks for that.
61. Can you hula hoop? No, I lost this skill with old age
62. Do you have a job? Yes!
62. What was the most recent thing you bought? Groceries. My life is so exciting, right?
July 30, 2010
The Story of High School Sweethearts
Once upon a time there was a boy named Zach and a girl named Kristin. They grew up in different parts of the world. Zach was from Arkansas (stop laughing, it ruins the moment) and Kristin was from Ohio. When Zach's dad decided to move to Ohio, his family loaded up the station wagon and hit the road. Since Zach was in the middle of the school year, he was known at school as the new kid from California (he had long white hair). Lots of girls thought he was cute, but Kristin didn't really see it, not that she could really talk since she was sporting some shit-crazy mall bangs and dressed like her mom. They continues to live their separate lives in the same school for the remainder of the year. It was not until 9th grade that their lives crossed paths.
World Awareness class was where the sparks really flew. OK, maybe not, since we both thought the other person was weird. He thought I dressed like a teacher and she thought he was a really dirty skater dude. Late in 9th grade they realized they had mutual friends. Kristin's boyfriend at the time (David)was one of Zach's best friends. Now they found themselves to be in the same place at the same time on several occasions. The continued the rest of 9th grade as acquaintances.
In 10th grade Kristin got another boyfriend, Dave (she wss such a slut) this one also happened to be one of Zach's best friends. Apparently she had a thing for "Davids". Since they were still all in the same circle of friends, they were friendly. Dave eventually dumped Kristin at school and she was devastated. Kristin had convinced herself that she would marry every boy she went out with. Zach saw her in the hall between classes and knew she was upset. He hugged her and told her it would be alright. Bam. Kristin found her next boyfriend. Now, if only she could convince Zach...
As a newly single lady, Kristin continued to hang out with her ex-boyfriend David (the first one, you follow?) as now he was going out with her best friend, Ashley. Ashley and David did their best to hook Zach and Kristin up, since it just made sense. Duh! Eventually when a Sadie's Hawkins dance was going on at school and Kristin asked, Zach said yes. It was learned years later that the reason he went is because David begged him and Kristin offered to pay for the tickets. The picture below is of said dance. Doesn't Zach look thrilled to be going on this date?
About a month after that dance, Zach and Kristin were an item. They dated all through high school and into college. They had one brief separation when Zach was looking for greener pastures, but he eventually found his way back. On December 17, 2004 Zach proposed to Kristin in the most amazing way ever and 8 months later... they got married. Shortly after getting married, Zach got a job and they packed up and moved cross country to Dallas. They work for the same company and love life in Texas with their 2 dogs. And they lived happily ever after - hopefully with babies eventually.
The End.
World Awareness class was where the sparks really flew. OK, maybe not, since we both thought the other person was weird. He thought I dressed like a teacher and she thought he was a really dirty skater dude. Late in 9th grade they realized they had mutual friends. Kristin's boyfriend at the time (David)was one of Zach's best friends. Now they found themselves to be in the same place at the same time on several occasions. The continued the rest of 9th grade as acquaintances.
In 10th grade Kristin got another boyfriend, Dave (she wss such a slut) this one also happened to be one of Zach's best friends. Apparently she had a thing for "Davids". Since they were still all in the same circle of friends, they were friendly. Dave eventually dumped Kristin at school and she was devastated. Kristin had convinced herself that she would marry every boy she went out with. Zach saw her in the hall between classes and knew she was upset. He hugged her and told her it would be alright. Bam. Kristin found her next boyfriend. Now, if only she could convince Zach...
As a newly single lady, Kristin continued to hang out with her ex-boyfriend David (the first one, you follow?) as now he was going out with her best friend, Ashley. Ashley and David did their best to hook Zach and Kristin up, since it just made sense. Duh! Eventually when a Sadie's Hawkins dance was going on at school and Kristin asked, Zach said yes. It was learned years later that the reason he went is because David begged him and Kristin offered to pay for the tickets. The picture below is of said dance. Doesn't Zach look thrilled to be going on this date?
About a month after that dance, Zach and Kristin were an item. They dated all through high school and into college. They had one brief separation when Zach was looking for greener pastures, but he eventually found his way back. On December 17, 2004 Zach proposed to Kristin in the most amazing way ever and 8 months later... they got married. Shortly after getting married, Zach got a job and they packed up and moved cross country to Dallas. They work for the same company and love life in Texas with their 2 dogs. And they lived happily ever after - hopefully with babies eventually.
The End.
July 1, 2010
Peer Pressure
Ok, so I haven't blogged in a while. A long while. Let me just take a second to get you caught up. I know, you are on the edge of your seat.
Hmmmm, since April I have done the following:
- Started the South Beach Diet and have lost 12lbs so far.
- Started running again - my 3 mile run after work today will be the third 3 mile run this week
- Worked on a long, boring and tedious project for work that took 2 months of my life I will never get back
- Took my dog in for a follow-up to the gum incident he had (see previous post) and his liver enzymes were back to normal. That was the good news. The bad news was that he had a lump that the vet wanted to take out. It turned out to be pre-cancerous so I am glad that we had that taken out.
Whew. Now that is off my chest.
So, when I was prompted to post a new entry (Thanks Heather) I asked what I should blog about because this seems to be the biggest problem for me. She had the following suggestions: "Top 10 best moments of your life, best things to do during summer, your undying love for me...". She then proceeded to dedicate an entire blog entry to me. Check it out. I think in honor of this I should definitely write about...
The top 10 best moments of my life. Ha! I am sure to catch hell for this.
1. Getting Married - Hand down the best day of my life. I guess when you find the right guy (even if that is in high school) you don't let him go. He is swell.
2. Winning 1st place at Dance Nationals. It was the most amazing thing to be able to be a part of. I miss dance tremendously. Those who know me know that I am literally obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance. Don't judge.
3. Getting to be a bridesmaid for Katie (my sister-in-law) this past March. It was the first wedding I had been in where I wasn't the bride. I was so happy for her and Heather and I had a blast.
4. Getting my dogs. This could really count as 2 since there are 2 of them. But I will just count it as 1. Gosh I love them.
5. College. I may not have graduated, but I certainly left school with some amazing memories. The best was one night when our group of friends were all out on the balcony of someone's house. "Cecila" from Paul Simon came on the stereo and there was a moment where all of our feet were stomping to the beat, our hands were clapping and we were singing the song. It rivaled any moment on Almost Famous. Those were the days.
6. Moving to Texas. The second I stepped foot in Dallas, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I miss my parents tremendously but this is where I belong. A fresh start.
7. Moving out of the evil girl house. I don't play well with others. Scratch that, others don't play well with me. I was so happy to move out of the train-wreck my life was living with girls. This has led me to believe that all twins are evil.
8. Getting a real big person job. I never thought I would be the office type. I have become a lot more than I ever thought I could be.
9. Getting boobs. No, not the fake ones, but the real deal. Once I stopped dancing they appeared. Finally. Now they are out of control. Everyone knows it, I can't deny it and I don't have any complaints!
10. Being born. Thank God I don't actually remember this. I would never be able to look at my mom the same way. Here is the logic: if I hadn't been born, I wouldn't be here to talk about the best moments!
Hmmmm, since April I have done the following:
- Started the South Beach Diet and have lost 12lbs so far.
- Started running again - my 3 mile run after work today will be the third 3 mile run this week
- Worked on a long, boring and tedious project for work that took 2 months of my life I will never get back
- Took my dog in for a follow-up to the gum incident he had (see previous post) and his liver enzymes were back to normal. That was the good news. The bad news was that he had a lump that the vet wanted to take out. It turned out to be pre-cancerous so I am glad that we had that taken out.
Whew. Now that is off my chest.
So, when I was prompted to post a new entry (Thanks Heather) I asked what I should blog about because this seems to be the biggest problem for me. She had the following suggestions: "Top 10 best moments of your life, best things to do during summer, your undying love for me...". She then proceeded to dedicate an entire blog entry to me. Check it out. I think in honor of this I should definitely write about...
The top 10 best moments of my life. Ha! I am sure to catch hell for this.
1. Getting Married - Hand down the best day of my life. I guess when you find the right guy (even if that is in high school) you don't let him go. He is swell.
2. Winning 1st place at Dance Nationals. It was the most amazing thing to be able to be a part of. I miss dance tremendously. Those who know me know that I am literally obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance. Don't judge.
3. Getting to be a bridesmaid for Katie (my sister-in-law) this past March. It was the first wedding I had been in where I wasn't the bride. I was so happy for her and Heather and I had a blast.
4. Getting my dogs. This could really count as 2 since there are 2 of them. But I will just count it as 1. Gosh I love them.
5. College. I may not have graduated, but I certainly left school with some amazing memories. The best was one night when our group of friends were all out on the balcony of someone's house. "Cecila" from Paul Simon came on the stereo and there was a moment where all of our feet were stomping to the beat, our hands were clapping and we were singing the song. It rivaled any moment on Almost Famous. Those were the days.
6. Moving to Texas. The second I stepped foot in Dallas, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I miss my parents tremendously but this is where I belong. A fresh start.
7. Moving out of the evil girl house. I don't play well with others. Scratch that, others don't play well with me. I was so happy to move out of the train-wreck my life was living with girls. This has led me to believe that all twins are evil.
8. Getting a real big person job. I never thought I would be the office type. I have become a lot more than I ever thought I could be.
9. Getting boobs. No, not the fake ones, but the real deal. Once I stopped dancing they appeared. Finally. Now they are out of control. Everyone knows it, I can't deny it and I don't have any complaints!
10. Being born. Thank God I don't actually remember this. I would never be able to look at my mom the same way. Here is the logic: if I hadn't been born, I wouldn't be here to talk about the best moments!
April 20, 2010
Poison and Panties
I have learned 2 very important lessons this week, my dogs are my children and I can wear big girl panties when I need to.
Last night when I got home from work I saw that my dogs had gotten into a Target bag and eaten a pack of gum. I promptly cleaned up what was left of the gum and headed outside to mow the lawn. I didn't think much about the gum at first until I was back inside. I am a very paranoid person when it comes to my dogs eating things they shouldn't but I really didn't think it was that big of a deal. That is when I remembered reading something about gum being potentially toxic to dogs when I was looking up something else they had gotten into a few months back. I grabbed the chewed wrapper from the trash and that was when I knew we were in trouble. They chewed up Orbit sugar-free gum. Dammit, sugar-free gum is lethal.
Sugar-free gum contains a chemical called Xylitol. It is an artificial sweetener used in gum to add the sugar flavor without the real thing. I immediately got online trying not to panic and run to the emergency vet. I was going to do some quick research since the dogs were acting normal. My dogs are also pretty large and usually that is a good thing when talking about potential poisoning. However, the more I read, the more scared I got. Xylitol causes a drastic drop in blood sugar triggering a large amount of insulin to be pumped into the system eventually leading to severe liver damage. Shit! I called the Animal Poison Control and was informed that the call may be charged to my credit card to a tune of $65. So, after hanging up with them, I just called the Emergency Vet. I was not about to spend $65 for them to tell me to go to the Vet. Of course, the Vet said to bring him in. So that is what I did - no questions asked.
I loaded up the dogs in a complete panic and headed out. I called my mother-in-law who is local to tell her what was going on. I let her know that I was on my way to the Vet and I would let her know the outcome when I know anything. Good girl, you held it together on the phone... then she called back to make sure I was OK. I lost it. It is difficult to drive a million miles and hour when you are sobbing like a girl that just fell off her bike and saw blood. I got calmed down and walked into the Vet.
Since I was unsure of which dog ate the gum, they both had to be put through the wringer. Just to be seen by the Vet it was $90 per dog. Fantastic. Both dogs showed normal vitals but I was instructed to let them induce vomiting. Proceed. Then both dogs had their stomachs pumped with charcoal. When I spoke to the Vet, she said that none of them threw up the gum which meant that it was already in their GI tract. She said in a perfect world she would run blood work on both dogs, but that it would be $250 per dog. I asked her what an imperfect world looked like. She said that I could wait until the morning and take the dogs to my vet to have the blood drawn. I asked if there as a concern with waiting and she said not really since they were not showing signs of toxicity. I paid my $440 and took the dogs home.
This morning the dogs and I piled into the car to see my vet. She took both of their blood since I still did not know which dog was the culprit. After an agonizing 30 minutes waiting on the results, we knew which dog was guilty. Tucker, my 80lb Lab. He had elevated levels of liver enzymes, low levels of potassium and some blood and protein in his urine. She was not overly concerned with the levels other than that they were different from his last exam. She prescribed me some antibiotics in case he had a bladder infection as a result and also a medication meant to help repair damaged liver cells. She is very optimistic that when we check him again in 30 days that he will be back to normal. I paid my $360 and was on my way.
Did I mention that my husband is in Hong Kong and was not here at all to help with any of this or help me make decisions with the life and death of his dog? No, Oh I must have blocked that out.
So what did I learn? I learned that I will do pretty much whatever I need to do to make sure that my dogs are alive and well. I did not bat an eye to drop $800 on them because looking back on it, I would not have changed a thing. I did the right thing and I can sleep well at night knowing what I did everything I could to make sure that my dogs were OK.
What else did I learn? I learned that I can pull up those big girl panties and make hard decisions that affect the welfare of others on my own. Pat myself on the back? I don't mind if I do.
Last night when I got home from work I saw that my dogs had gotten into a Target bag and eaten a pack of gum. I promptly cleaned up what was left of the gum and headed outside to mow the lawn. I didn't think much about the gum at first until I was back inside. I am a very paranoid person when it comes to my dogs eating things they shouldn't but I really didn't think it was that big of a deal. That is when I remembered reading something about gum being potentially toxic to dogs when I was looking up something else they had gotten into a few months back. I grabbed the chewed wrapper from the trash and that was when I knew we were in trouble. They chewed up Orbit sugar-free gum. Dammit, sugar-free gum is lethal.
Sugar-free gum contains a chemical called Xylitol. It is an artificial sweetener used in gum to add the sugar flavor without the real thing. I immediately got online trying not to panic and run to the emergency vet. I was going to do some quick research since the dogs were acting normal. My dogs are also pretty large and usually that is a good thing when talking about potential poisoning. However, the more I read, the more scared I got. Xylitol causes a drastic drop in blood sugar triggering a large amount of insulin to be pumped into the system eventually leading to severe liver damage. Shit! I called the Animal Poison Control and was informed that the call may be charged to my credit card to a tune of $65. So, after hanging up with them, I just called the Emergency Vet. I was not about to spend $65 for them to tell me to go to the Vet. Of course, the Vet said to bring him in. So that is what I did - no questions asked.
I loaded up the dogs in a complete panic and headed out. I called my mother-in-law who is local to tell her what was going on. I let her know that I was on my way to the Vet and I would let her know the outcome when I know anything. Good girl, you held it together on the phone... then she called back to make sure I was OK. I lost it. It is difficult to drive a million miles and hour when you are sobbing like a girl that just fell off her bike and saw blood. I got calmed down and walked into the Vet.
Since I was unsure of which dog ate the gum, they both had to be put through the wringer. Just to be seen by the Vet it was $90 per dog. Fantastic. Both dogs showed normal vitals but I was instructed to let them induce vomiting. Proceed. Then both dogs had their stomachs pumped with charcoal. When I spoke to the Vet, she said that none of them threw up the gum which meant that it was already in their GI tract. She said in a perfect world she would run blood work on both dogs, but that it would be $250 per dog. I asked her what an imperfect world looked like. She said that I could wait until the morning and take the dogs to my vet to have the blood drawn. I asked if there as a concern with waiting and she said not really since they were not showing signs of toxicity. I paid my $440 and took the dogs home.
This morning the dogs and I piled into the car to see my vet. She took both of their blood since I still did not know which dog was the culprit. After an agonizing 30 minutes waiting on the results, we knew which dog was guilty. Tucker, my 80lb Lab. He had elevated levels of liver enzymes, low levels of potassium and some blood and protein in his urine. She was not overly concerned with the levels other than that they were different from his last exam. She prescribed me some antibiotics in case he had a bladder infection as a result and also a medication meant to help repair damaged liver cells. She is very optimistic that when we check him again in 30 days that he will be back to normal. I paid my $360 and was on my way.
Did I mention that my husband is in Hong Kong and was not here at all to help with any of this or help me make decisions with the life and death of his dog? No, Oh I must have blocked that out.
So what did I learn? I learned that I will do pretty much whatever I need to do to make sure that my dogs are alive and well. I did not bat an eye to drop $800 on them because looking back on it, I would not have changed a thing. I did the right thing and I can sleep well at night knowing what I did everything I could to make sure that my dogs were OK.
What else did I learn? I learned that I can pull up those big girl panties and make hard decisions that affect the welfare of others on my own. Pat myself on the back? I don't mind if I do.
April 12, 2010
Living Alone
No, I am not divorced... I am just alone... for now.
Zach left early, I mean butt ass crack of dawn early, Saturday morning for Hong Kong. He is one of the many from work that are traveling Hong Kong and China for work for 12 days. I am just day 3 into his trip and I miss him. I am not trying to get all mushy, but this is really the first time I am living alone. All through college I have never really lived alone. Sure, I wasn't living with him the whole time - at least that is what we told his parents, but I practically was. We lived in this ghetto shotgun house/split apartment, him and the boys upstairs and me in a separate apartment downstairs. But lets face it, I was wasting rent. He even went on co-op for school, but the boys didn't mind me staying in his room. Then we got married and I haven't really been without him for more than a day or 2.
I was convinced that it wouldn't be that hard... it is just 12 days. But let me tell you... the dogs don't talk back. I am not going to lie, I am scared to be home alone. I live in between a Dexter wanna be and an old lady that I learned last week was harboring homeless people in her home. Don't get me wrong, I am well protected. I have 2 large dogs and a 45, but I am not above sleeping with the hall light on and the TV going. I could only load 7 bullets in the 45, but I figure if I can't get the job done in 7 shots, they can do with me what they will.
I have discovered that I love the outdoors. I sit outside as much as I can with the dogs, even though I am still sitting, it feels like I am accomplishing so much more than sitting on the couch watching TV. I have also discovered that it is easier to go to the gym without Zach. He hates it, not that he needs it. So I feel guilty staying there long or going at all. Most days I go, I work through lunch so I can go early and not cause him to have to go at all. I went today and stayed nearly an hour. Maybe I will be a fit goddess when he gets back. Who are we kidding... that won't happen.
He called yesterday to let me know he got in and I missed the call. I immediately burst into tears. Irrational, yes... but I was so sad that I missed it. He called today when I was at work and it sounds like he is having fun. I am so happy he got to go on this trip, but I can't wait for him to be home.
I have already planned something almost every night to keep me occupied. Call me pathetic if you want, but that is me. Take it or leave it.
Zach left early, I mean butt ass crack of dawn early, Saturday morning for Hong Kong. He is one of the many from work that are traveling Hong Kong and China for work for 12 days. I am just day 3 into his trip and I miss him. I am not trying to get all mushy, but this is really the first time I am living alone. All through college I have never really lived alone. Sure, I wasn't living with him the whole time - at least that is what we told his parents, but I practically was. We lived in this ghetto shotgun house/split apartment, him and the boys upstairs and me in a separate apartment downstairs. But lets face it, I was wasting rent. He even went on co-op for school, but the boys didn't mind me staying in his room. Then we got married and I haven't really been without him for more than a day or 2.
I was convinced that it wouldn't be that hard... it is just 12 days. But let me tell you... the dogs don't talk back. I am not going to lie, I am scared to be home alone. I live in between a Dexter wanna be and an old lady that I learned last week was harboring homeless people in her home. Don't get me wrong, I am well protected. I have 2 large dogs and a 45, but I am not above sleeping with the hall light on and the TV going. I could only load 7 bullets in the 45, but I figure if I can't get the job done in 7 shots, they can do with me what they will.
I have discovered that I love the outdoors. I sit outside as much as I can with the dogs, even though I am still sitting, it feels like I am accomplishing so much more than sitting on the couch watching TV. I have also discovered that it is easier to go to the gym without Zach. He hates it, not that he needs it. So I feel guilty staying there long or going at all. Most days I go, I work through lunch so I can go early and not cause him to have to go at all. I went today and stayed nearly an hour. Maybe I will be a fit goddess when he gets back. Who are we kidding... that won't happen.
He called yesterday to let me know he got in and I missed the call. I immediately burst into tears. Irrational, yes... but I was so sad that I missed it. He called today when I was at work and it sounds like he is having fun. I am so happy he got to go on this trip, but I can't wait for him to be home.
I have already planned something almost every night to keep me occupied. Call me pathetic if you want, but that is me. Take it or leave it.
April 2, 2010
Bangs!
So I did it. I joined the bang bandwagon. It is not what you think. I have not joined the adult film industry, although the money would be great. I was bored with my hair. I am afraid of coloring it since the black metallic dye disaster of 2008. After letting that grow out then getting the uber popular stacked haircut, I let it grow out again for Katie's wedding. After all that growing out, I needed a change. So that is what I proposed to my hair dresser. I went in with a plan, fully expecting her to laugh at me. But, this is how it came out!
Bam! Gotta love the in car self portraits.
I am pretty excited about it.
I feel like a new woman.
Happy Easter!
Bam! Gotta love the in car self portraits.
I am pretty excited about it.
I feel like a new woman.
Happy Easter!
April 1, 2010
Long Time No Blog
It has been a crazy busy month to say the least. My baby sister (really my sister in law, but I have been around 13 years... so she might as well be my sister) got married. It was such a fun and exhausting weekend. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful bride. I am not kidding. In the world. I am so happy for her and her new husband! What a fun time in their life.
Here is a quick recap:
Thursday - I took a vacation day. I am not really sure I would call it a vacation since my boss woke me up at 8am for a question. Once I dragged myself out of bed (yes, at 8am - I know most of you were already at work... but come on people... THIS WAS A VACATION DAY!) I cleaned the balls off my house. I am not even sure if that is a saying, but it is one now. I cleaned every damn nook and cranny. Laundry, bathrooms, vacuumed, mopped, dusted and the kitchen. I finished with just enough time to hop in the shower, make myself presentable and then head out the door for some pampering with the girls. I was on track to be 10 minutes early for the mani/pedi when I got a text from the maid of honor (on orders from the mother of the bride) to find out where I was. Really? I am early. Sometimes I just can't catch a break. Nonetheless, I got a killer mani/pedi/chair massage! Not that it lasted more than a day... but who is counting the $35 I shelled out for a smudged big toe and chipped french manicure. After the mani/pedi it was time for dinner at Gloria's - the best place ever! On the way out we saw a girl celebrating her Quinceañera so we were entertained by that for a while. This might have been because she was "shooting" a music video with 6 of her closest Mexican cowboys in the middle of the harbor. Once all was said and done, I ran home, packed a bag and headed to Katie's place for the night. We drank wine (read: a lot of wine) and watched the 4 part Saved By The Bell Wedding event. Fabulous time.
Friday -
Wake up with a headache and get 4 girls showered and out of the door for the Bridal Luncheon. The lunch was held at the adorable Chocolate Angel in Richardson. We were supposed to have the room all to ourselves but for some reason the put some staunchy old women in big hats in there with us. When one of them made a comment about how short Katie's dress was (in her defense - her legs are a mile long) I thought the entire room would come unglued. We just chalked it up to the amount of sex they must not be having. Lunch was fantastic!
I hit the road, tanned in a level 5 bed (read: spaceship that was so big I could do crunches and push ups in while getting tan) and ran home to see my parents who drove in from Cincy for the wedding. I spent a whole 2 hours of quality time with them before I had to get ready for the rehearsal.
I have never been a bridesmaid, so I was pretty nervous. Luckily I got paired up with this super hot groomsman so it was easy to walk. I guess walking down the aisle with him nearly 5 years ago didn't hurt either. He was so cute dressed up.
Rehearsal was fun but hot! Dinner was great and free!
Saturday -
Up and atem as the sun came up. I packed every possible thing I could think of that we might need throughout the day shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifince I knew I would not be returning home until late. I got a frantic phone call from Katie that she left something she needed in my car. This was the story of the weekend. I grabbed that and then she informed me that we had been told the wrong hair appointment time and were an hour late. I booked it to the hair place and sat down to enjoy some more girl time. We had a blast getting out hair done and even got to wear lunch lady shower caps because the 45+ mph winds would reek havoc on our new coifs.
We were quite the sight pumping gas and buying champagne. Heather, the maid of honor,put our authority hats on and got the bride and other bridesmaid back on a time schedule that we were comfortable with (the right one, the one that got us ready on time!) and got to the church.
We took our time getting ready. Heather fought for her right to be the maid of honor and did it gracefully. I did a few people's makeup and we melted in the bridal room as the air was not working only the heat. It was so windy out side that I was sure that we would blow away. Well, maybe not me... but definitely some of the smaller girls. I ended up being the photographer's (the best man at our wedding) assistant. He was a one man show and needed some help corralling the troops and getting people to listen to him. I can be pretty bossy, so this fitted me perfect. Before pictures done! Let the wedding begin.
My legs would not stop shaking the entire time I was up there. I was terrified I would pass out so I just kept bending my knees. All the ring bearers and flower girls miraculously made it down the aisle. Katie could not have looked more stunning as she walked toward her future husband. He was awestruck. Heather is right, it is so fun to watch the groom. He was adorable.
I snapped into drill sergeant mode as soon as the wedding was over to get the formal pictures taken care of. I sure hope I got everything I needed to - but I guess there is no going back now. We made it to the reception fashionable late because of a too many cars, not enough drives situation - sorry to those who were hungry! The reception was a blast - the speeches were heartfelt and hilarious. All in all it was a great day. After shuffling people back to hotels and where they needed to be, we headed home. One of the perks of having the amazing photographer staying with you, is you get to see all the pictures. We all (my parents included) stayed up until nearly 2:30 looking at the pics. I am not kidding, Daniel Castro is the most talented photographers I know. Check out his stuff.
Sunday -
Up and early again to retrieve a car before heading to the hotel early to drop off clothes Katie left in my car... see, the story of the weekend. Brunch was nice. It was hosted by Katie and her new husband to thank all of the out of town guests for coming. They opened more presents and we called it a day. I collected all the tuxes and ran them to Mens Warehouse on the way home. Then I crashed. I managed to sleep for an hour or so before getting back up to take Dan to dinner and then the airport.
What an amazing weekend!
I am not going to lie... I am perfectly OK with not doing a damn thing this weekend.
Here is a quick recap:
Thursday - I took a vacation day. I am not really sure I would call it a vacation since my boss woke me up at 8am for a question. Once I dragged myself out of bed (yes, at 8am - I know most of you were already at work... but come on people... THIS WAS A VACATION DAY!) I cleaned the balls off my house. I am not even sure if that is a saying, but it is one now. I cleaned every damn nook and cranny. Laundry, bathrooms, vacuumed, mopped, dusted and the kitchen. I finished with just enough time to hop in the shower, make myself presentable and then head out the door for some pampering with the girls. I was on track to be 10 minutes early for the mani/pedi when I got a text from the maid of honor (on orders from the mother of the bride) to find out where I was. Really? I am early. Sometimes I just can't catch a break. Nonetheless, I got a killer mani/pedi/chair massage! Not that it lasted more than a day... but who is counting the $35 I shelled out for a smudged big toe and chipped french manicure. After the mani/pedi it was time for dinner at Gloria's - the best place ever! On the way out we saw a girl celebrating her Quinceañera so we were entertained by that for a while. This might have been because she was "shooting" a music video with 6 of her closest Mexican cowboys in the middle of the harbor. Once all was said and done, I ran home, packed a bag and headed to Katie's place for the night. We drank wine (read: a lot of wine) and watched the 4 part Saved By The Bell Wedding event. Fabulous time.
Friday -
Wake up with a headache and get 4 girls showered and out of the door for the Bridal Luncheon. The lunch was held at the adorable Chocolate Angel in Richardson. We were supposed to have the room all to ourselves but for some reason the put some staunchy old women in big hats in there with us. When one of them made a comment about how short Katie's dress was (in her defense - her legs are a mile long) I thought the entire room would come unglued. We just chalked it up to the amount of sex they must not be having. Lunch was fantastic!
I hit the road, tanned in a level 5 bed (read: spaceship that was so big I could do crunches and push ups in while getting tan) and ran home to see my parents who drove in from Cincy for the wedding. I spent a whole 2 hours of quality time with them before I had to get ready for the rehearsal.
I have never been a bridesmaid, so I was pretty nervous. Luckily I got paired up with this super hot groomsman so it was easy to walk. I guess walking down the aisle with him nearly 5 years ago didn't hurt either. He was so cute dressed up.
Rehearsal was fun but hot! Dinner was great and free!
Saturday -
Up and atem as the sun came up. I packed every possible thing I could think of that we might need throughout the day shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifince I knew I would not be returning home until late. I got a frantic phone call from Katie that she left something she needed in my car. This was the story of the weekend. I grabbed that and then she informed me that we had been told the wrong hair appointment time and were an hour late. I booked it to the hair place and sat down to enjoy some more girl time. We had a blast getting out hair done and even got to wear lunch lady shower caps because the 45+ mph winds would reek havoc on our new coifs.
We were quite the sight pumping gas and buying champagne. Heather, the maid of honor,put our authority hats on and got the bride and other bridesmaid back on a time schedule that we were comfortable with (the right one, the one that got us ready on time!) and got to the church.
We took our time getting ready. Heather fought for her right to be the maid of honor and did it gracefully. I did a few people's makeup and we melted in the bridal room as the air was not working only the heat. It was so windy out side that I was sure that we would blow away. Well, maybe not me... but definitely some of the smaller girls. I ended up being the photographer's (the best man at our wedding) assistant. He was a one man show and needed some help corralling the troops and getting people to listen to him. I can be pretty bossy, so this fitted me perfect. Before pictures done! Let the wedding begin.
My legs would not stop shaking the entire time I was up there. I was terrified I would pass out so I just kept bending my knees. All the ring bearers and flower girls miraculously made it down the aisle. Katie could not have looked more stunning as she walked toward her future husband. He was awestruck. Heather is right, it is so fun to watch the groom. He was adorable.
I snapped into drill sergeant mode as soon as the wedding was over to get the formal pictures taken care of. I sure hope I got everything I needed to - but I guess there is no going back now. We made it to the reception fashionable late because of a too many cars, not enough drives situation - sorry to those who were hungry! The reception was a blast - the speeches were heartfelt and hilarious. All in all it was a great day. After shuffling people back to hotels and where they needed to be, we headed home. One of the perks of having the amazing photographer staying with you, is you get to see all the pictures. We all (my parents included) stayed up until nearly 2:30 looking at the pics. I am not kidding, Daniel Castro is the most talented photographers I know. Check out his stuff.
Sunday -
Up and early again to retrieve a car before heading to the hotel early to drop off clothes Katie left in my car... see, the story of the weekend. Brunch was nice. It was hosted by Katie and her new husband to thank all of the out of town guests for coming. They opened more presents and we called it a day. I collected all the tuxes and ran them to Mens Warehouse on the way home. Then I crashed. I managed to sleep for an hour or so before getting back up to take Dan to dinner and then the airport.
What an amazing weekend!
I am not going to lie... I am perfectly OK with not doing a damn thing this weekend.
March 16, 2010
St. Patty's Day Recap
Since it is probably the topic of all Dallas bloggers, I don't want to be left out. I want to preface this by saying that I did not get as drunk as last year. Thank God. Last year I was "hungunder" by 5pm. And when I say hungunder, I mean in bed, lights off, feeling like my skull had split open under the pressure of my brain pulsating. I really thought I was going to die.
This year - victory! We all met, in true St. Patty's Day tradition at Ian's place with our biggest group yet. 11 in all! Zach and I showed up fashionable late, as is our M.O., with some Taco Cabana breakfast tacos in tow. What is a early morning drink fest without the burritos? We have arrived, let the drinking commence. My sister-in-law and I took our annual mimosa picture and dove into the alcohol! One mimosa, 2 screwdrivers and 3 jello shots later, it was time to head to the DART. We were all feeling pretty good, especially Steph who donned a miller lite box as we waited for the train.
The train was good and packed by 10:30am. Poor Zach had to wear me like a belt since I am too short to reach the hand rail. Awesome. When we exited the train Jan and I set out to buy more beer! The line at CVS was ridic. However, this was the link for the bathroom! Whew, we weren't there yet! We grabbed the last 2 cold Bud Light cases and waiting about 20 minutes in line. We cracked those cases open and loaded up the purses. I can't believe I even considered leaving my purse at home. How would I tote all this magical beer?
We got to our typical destination outside of Piggy Pies, found the boss man who camps out and set up shop in the parking lot. We met crazy Rachel there and followed her to the next destination. Rachel and I tried to get more free drinks from random people... she succeeded, I didn't. The story of my life.
There we consumed more beverages and met Hulk Hogan. I think I was even motor boated a few times by Rachel during this stop. Or was it earlier in the day? Doesn't matter, all that does it that it happened. More than once I think. After a bit we gathered to head into the block party.
Along the way to the block party the group spotted a Miller Lite box. What is it with these boxes? Being the mature adults we were, we decided to kick it all the way to the clock party - about 1 mile. Along the way we were yelled at for kicking it by some woman pushing a stroller who said that she was not drunk so therefore it was not funny. OK, biotch, this one is aimed for your head. We had some rouge gust of wind that carried our precious box off. In stepped our hero. He chased it down a hill into an underpass and rescued it for us. Game on. It nearly made it to the block party when it exploded into a million pieces and could not be saved. Later in the day upon leaving the party, someone actually stopped me and asked where the box was. Does that mean I am famous? I think so.
The best part of the entire day took place inside and out of a car wash. As we were walking to the parade I spotted a few people walking into a tucked away car wash. I have just found the hidden gem of a bathroom. No hour wait for me. I ran across the parking lot and took my place in line. Soon after a few friends followed. While in line, I started chatting up the people in front of me. Cause that is what I do when I am drunk. I talk to strangers. One large amazon woman in a dress is pacing hastily right in front of me in line. She and her friend were in a bad way. She kept saying that if she kept moving, she would not have to go as bad. There were only about 5 girls in front of her, so we were all pretty sure she would make it. Apparently she did not. She pulled out a ten dollar bill and paid the girl in front of her to let her cut. Mind you, she did not pay the person AT THE FRONT OF THE LINE! IDIOT! The girl gladly took her money and Amazon moved up one spot. When suddenly she walks out the exit stage right and leans up against the giant window that was along side the line. She had gone out into the car wash drive-thru. Two workers walked past her and threw their hands up at her. She merely shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. It was then and only then that we realized that she was peeing. She just up and peed in the car wash in front of the employees. Think that is where it ends? Nope. Amazon did not make to the car wash before emptying her bladder. She started inside the car wash, in line. Sweet. There was a giant puddle and a trail as she pissed herself on the way to outside. The most amazing site ever! Needless to say, the carwash locked it's doors and shut down the bathroom.
After a while we headed back to Ian's place for some cornhole (not what you think. You have to be from the midwest to this amazing bean bag toss game) and hotdogs. The perfect way to end the day.
All in all I would say it was a successful day. Especially since I didn't piss my self in public. That and I was the only one who didn't get sunburned. Those who say it doesn't matter if you have a base tan can suck it.
This year - victory! We all met, in true St. Patty's Day tradition at Ian's place with our biggest group yet. 11 in all! Zach and I showed up fashionable late, as is our M.O., with some Taco Cabana breakfast tacos in tow. What is a early morning drink fest without the burritos? We have arrived, let the drinking commence. My sister-in-law and I took our annual mimosa picture and dove into the alcohol! One mimosa, 2 screwdrivers and 3 jello shots later, it was time to head to the DART. We were all feeling pretty good, especially Steph who donned a miller lite box as we waited for the train. 
The train was good and packed by 10:30am. Poor Zach had to wear me like a belt since I am too short to reach the hand rail. Awesome. When we exited the train Jan and I set out to buy more beer! The line at CVS was ridic. However, this was the link for the bathroom! Whew, we weren't there yet! We grabbed the last 2 cold Bud Light cases and waiting about 20 minutes in line. We cracked those cases open and loaded up the purses. I can't believe I even considered leaving my purse at home. How would I tote all this magical beer?We got to our typical destination outside of Piggy Pies, found the boss man who camps out and set up shop in the parking lot. We met crazy Rachel there and followed her to the next destination. Rachel and I tried to get more free drinks from random people... she succeeded, I didn't. The story of my life.
There we consumed more beverages and met Hulk Hogan. I think I was even motor boated a few times by Rachel during this stop. Or was it earlier in the day? Doesn't matter, all that does it that it happened. More than once I think. After a bit we gathered to head into the block party. Along the way to the block party the group spotted a Miller Lite box. What is it with these boxes? Being the mature adults we were, we decided to kick it all the way to the clock party - about 1 mile. Along the way we were yelled at for kicking it by some woman pushing a stroller who said that she was not drunk so therefore it was not funny. OK, biotch, this one is aimed for your head. We had some rouge gust of wind that carried our precious box off. In stepped our hero. He chased it down a hill into an underpass and rescued it for us. Game on. It nearly made it to the block party when it exploded into a million pieces and could not be saved. Later in the day upon leaving the party, someone actually stopped me and asked where the box was. Does that mean I am famous? I think so.
The best part of the entire day took place inside and out of a car wash. As we were walking to the parade I spotted a few people walking into a tucked away car wash. I have just found the hidden gem of a bathroom. No hour wait for me. I ran across the parking lot and took my place in line. Soon after a few friends followed. While in line, I started chatting up the people in front of me. Cause that is what I do when I am drunk. I talk to strangers. One large amazon woman in a dress is pacing hastily right in front of me in line. She and her friend were in a bad way. She kept saying that if she kept moving, she would not have to go as bad. There were only about 5 girls in front of her, so we were all pretty sure she would make it. Apparently she did not. She pulled out a ten dollar bill and paid the girl in front of her to let her cut. Mind you, she did not pay the person AT THE FRONT OF THE LINE! IDIOT! The girl gladly took her money and Amazon moved up one spot. When suddenly she walks out the exit stage right and leans up against the giant window that was along side the line. She had gone out into the car wash drive-thru. Two workers walked past her and threw their hands up at her. She merely shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. It was then and only then that we realized that she was peeing. She just up and peed in the car wash in front of the employees. Think that is where it ends? Nope. Amazon did not make to the car wash before emptying her bladder. She started inside the car wash, in line. Sweet. There was a giant puddle and a trail as she pissed herself on the way to outside. The most amazing site ever! Needless to say, the carwash locked it's doors and shut down the bathroom.
After a while we headed back to Ian's place for some cornhole (not what you think. You have to be from the midwest to this amazing bean bag toss game) and hotdogs. The perfect way to end the day.
All in all I would say it was a successful day. Especially since I didn't piss my self in public. That and I was the only one who didn't get sunburned. Those who say it doesn't matter if you have a base tan can suck it.
March 9, 2010
Pretty Good Day
So it finally happened. I got a promotion and became a salaried employee! No more clocking in and out. No more worrying about making my lunch only 1 hour. I feel free. I feel like I joined the land of the grown ups. The kicker was, is my new salary going to be worth giving up the overtime. I think so. Aside from the occasional conference bringing 48 hours of overtime to a single paycheck. Boy, those were the days! Now I am eligible for the bonus program. Yippee. But honestly, I could not be happier. I was the only person on my team that was not a salaried employee. I was the pee on. The person that made copies and got rooms situated correctly for big meetings. Not anymore bitches. Now you can make my copies. Well, I guess now I just make copies for myself.
My title didn't really change training coordinator to communications coordinator. But I am told it is a promotion, so I am going to run with it.
It is going to be a pretty good day. The sun is shining, the temperature is 75 and I will have more money in my pocket every week!
My title didn't really change training coordinator to communications coordinator. But I am told it is a promotion, so I am going to run with it.
It is going to be a pretty good day. The sun is shining, the temperature is 75 and I will have more money in my pocket every week!
February 24, 2010
Sickly One...
So, it has been quite sometime since I have blogged. But let's be honest, I have not really had the time or the energy to be funny and witty. My baby sister-in-law is getting married in 5 weeks, so things have really begun to pick up pace. If we are not shopping, or planning, or partying... it is something else. Normally this would not be an issue at all, but I haven't exactly been the most healthy this year. I came down with what I thought was a mild flu just after New Years. That last about 10 days. As soon as I got over that, I developed a very sore throat and ear ache. Tada - sinus/ear infection. Doc popped me full of antibiotics and sent me on my way. I finished off those meds and started to feel better. For a week... then last week I started to develop what I thought was a cold, it could have been allergies. Who knows. It started to clear up just in time for the bachelorette party. Thank God, because that was a hella good time. So much fun that I spent most of the day after throwing my guts up.
Monday morning brought fatigue and a nagging cough, but I thought nothing about it, just assuming that I was still recovering from the weekends events and the cold I had the week before. 3 o'clock rolled around and I noticed that it was an ice box in the office. I could not warm up. By the end of the work day, my skin was so sensitive (my tell-tale sign that I have a fever) that I was sure that it wasn't just the temperature in the building. Hubs and I hit the grocery store and by the time I got home my clothes felt like razor blades on my skin. As soon as I walked in the door at home, a thermometer was in my mouth. Da da duh... 102. Wow! Now that is a fever - I am usually around 97. I spent that entire night on the couch with my snuggie and 2 additional blankets with no change as to how cold I was. I emailed my boss and let her know that I was not going to be in the next day because of the fever. 2am rolled around and I awoke covered in sweat - sweet! No more fever. The next morning, I took my temperature again, 103. Really?!?!? I immediately called the doc to get an appointment. Note to all internet diagnosers, don't go to WedMD - when I put all my symptoms (fever, coughing, fatigue, aches, headaches, chills), I had either pneumonia, or swine flu.
At the doctors office I sat in the waiting room trying not to breathe in case I had one of the above. I still had a rocking fever of 103 there too. Why is it that I always feel relieved when my symptoms are confirmed by the doc? I think that it is for me, so people don't think that I am exaggerating. I fell asleep twice in the office as I was waiting for my swine flu results. My doctor did think that was what I had and was actually shocked when it came back negative. She did however say that this was one of the worst cases of the flu that she has seen that was not swine. Another confirmation that I was not crazy.
So here I sit, on the couch the same as I have since Monday night (it's Wednesday). It is painful to walk, sit up, and just generally move. I have some mega antibiotics and some decongestant that tastes like battery acid. Even with the cocktail of tylenol and advil, I am still hanging on to this fever. If it is not gone by tomorrow morning, I won't be able to go back to work at all this week. Doctors orders.
Holy cabin fever batman.
Monday morning brought fatigue and a nagging cough, but I thought nothing about it, just assuming that I was still recovering from the weekends events and the cold I had the week before. 3 o'clock rolled around and I noticed that it was an ice box in the office. I could not warm up. By the end of the work day, my skin was so sensitive (my tell-tale sign that I have a fever) that I was sure that it wasn't just the temperature in the building. Hubs and I hit the grocery store and by the time I got home my clothes felt like razor blades on my skin. As soon as I walked in the door at home, a thermometer was in my mouth. Da da duh... 102. Wow! Now that is a fever - I am usually around 97. I spent that entire night on the couch with my snuggie and 2 additional blankets with no change as to how cold I was. I emailed my boss and let her know that I was not going to be in the next day because of the fever. 2am rolled around and I awoke covered in sweat - sweet! No more fever. The next morning, I took my temperature again, 103. Really?!?!? I immediately called the doc to get an appointment. Note to all internet diagnosers, don't go to WedMD - when I put all my symptoms (fever, coughing, fatigue, aches, headaches, chills), I had either pneumonia, or swine flu.
At the doctors office I sat in the waiting room trying not to breathe in case I had one of the above. I still had a rocking fever of 103 there too. Why is it that I always feel relieved when my symptoms are confirmed by the doc? I think that it is for me, so people don't think that I am exaggerating. I fell asleep twice in the office as I was waiting for my swine flu results. My doctor did think that was what I had and was actually shocked when it came back negative. She did however say that this was one of the worst cases of the flu that she has seen that was not swine. Another confirmation that I was not crazy.
So here I sit, on the couch the same as I have since Monday night (it's Wednesday). It is painful to walk, sit up, and just generally move. I have some mega antibiotics and some decongestant that tastes like battery acid. Even with the cocktail of tylenol and advil, I am still hanging on to this fever. If it is not gone by tomorrow morning, I won't be able to go back to work at all this week. Doctors orders.
Holy cabin fever batman.
February 10, 2010
I Hate Dentists
So I just made an appointment with the Dentist for the first time in quite some time. Let's just say since I moved to Dallas... in '05. Before you judge - I still have all my teeth, floss semi-regularly and do in fact brush my teeth. This does not mean that I am not scared out of my ever loving mind. I hate the dentist. Everyone keeps telling me that the one that I will be going to is great and very little pain. But lets just face facts. I cannot go to the dentist without them telling me that I have tartar build up behind me retainer and ripping my gums to shreds. Here is my answer to that... IF YOU WOULD TAKE THE DAMN RETAINER OUT, I COULD FLOSS EASIER. My teeth are straight, I have all my wisdom teeth in and straight. Take it out. I hate the damn thing. I can't wait to be in pain for a sold day after this. Oh, I want to cancel that appointment so bad... so bad. Can you say stressed?
This was all brought on by the fact that my baby sister-in-law just went for the first time in a few years and has 5 cavities and needs a "deep cleaning". They should call it a "wallet cleaning". She made the mistake of going to a big chain dentist. I don't know about in other areas, but in Dallas everyone I know that has gone to one of the big chains has been told that they grind their teeth at night and need a special mouth guard - here is the catch, it is not covered on insurance. I am not kidding. Any-who, they said that she really needs this "deep cleaning" ($1400) to make sure she gets all the junk off her teeth. $14O0 really?!?! And that is on top of her cavity fillings. She will have to pay $980 out of pocket for all this. No way Jose. I've got a feeling .... woo hoo... that she got screwed by that big company.
So anyway, I was told that this dentist is great. That does not mean that I have not worked myself up into a tizzy. I can't wait until tomorrow rolls around and I have pit stains the size of Montana rocking and I make all those nervous giggles that I do when I would rather be dead than doing what I am currently doing. Someone said that some places will give you something to calm you down if you tell them you have high anxiety about your appointment, done. God, please let that be the truth. This is no time for hero's... A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
This was all brought on by the fact that my baby sister-in-law just went for the first time in a few years and has 5 cavities and needs a "deep cleaning". They should call it a "wallet cleaning". She made the mistake of going to a big chain dentist. I don't know about in other areas, but in Dallas everyone I know that has gone to one of the big chains has been told that they grind their teeth at night and need a special mouth guard - here is the catch, it is not covered on insurance. I am not kidding. Any-who, they said that she really needs this "deep cleaning" ($1400) to make sure she gets all the junk off her teeth. $14O0 really?!?! And that is on top of her cavity fillings. She will have to pay $980 out of pocket for all this. No way Jose. I've got a feeling .... woo hoo... that she got screwed by that big company.
So anyway, I was told that this dentist is great. That does not mean that I have not worked myself up into a tizzy. I can't wait until tomorrow rolls around and I have pit stains the size of Montana rocking and I make all those nervous giggles that I do when I would rather be dead than doing what I am currently doing. Someone said that some places will give you something to calm you down if you tell them you have high anxiety about your appointment, done. God, please let that be the truth. This is no time for hero's... A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
February 5, 2010
A Whole New World
So my husband and I have been lucky enough to get some free tickets to movie premiers over the past couple of weeks, and let me tell you, it is a completely different crowd. First of all there are 3 distinct groups: the newbies, the ones that didn't want to pay for a sitter to go to a free movie screening, and the regulars (a.k.a. the crazies).
The Newbies:
These are the people who get free tickets from their friends for a movie that night. They rush home after work discussing how early they need to be there. At first they don't think that they need to be there because there cannot be that many people that have tickets for this, or that will actually go to a 7:30 movie on a school night. They let the dogs out and hit the road. Halfway there they decide that they should just eat dinner somewhere at the mall where the movie is showing and then head over to get in line. Upon entering the mall, you can hear a rumbling of noise coming from the floor above (where the theater is located.) There are already at least 100 people in line and the movie is not scheduled to start for another hour! This is not Harry Potter people, this is The Edge of Darkness. Needless to say, Zach had to run to Sonic while I got in line and we ate dinner on the floor of the lobby. Us = Classy.
The Ones that didn't want to pay for a sitter to go to a free movie screening:
Let me preface this: I am not a parent, so I cannot judge what parents do. I however, can judge the stupidity of people. When we got upstairs we noticed there were a lot of kids up there. I leaned over to Zach and asked to see the tickets. There it was in plain sight "This movie is rated R for graphic bloody violence and language". Sound perfect for my 6 year old, right?!?!?! WTF people. Just because you got free tickets, that doesn't mean that your kid needs to see it because you don't want to get a sitter. We were directly behind said family in line. When they approached the ticket attendant to get into the movie. He looked at her and then at her kid. He asked if she knew that this was a rated R movie, she said "I don't even know what movie this is.... that's OK, he will be fine". She then proceeded to walk in. Not sure how this kid fared in this movie, but the family next to us THAT HAD 3 KIDS UNDER 10, those kids were hating life the second a characters head gets blown off and her guts were hanging out everywhere. Great parenting!
The Regulars (a.k.a. the crazies):
There a complete underground of these people that spend their nights going from free screening to free screening. Now I am not talking about those that are critics or anything, just people. Several people brought their own folding chairs to sit in while waiting in line. What? I... hmmm. We had one such crazy behind us. Our first interaction with this woman is when she asked us if our ticket had been printed on an ink jet or laser printer. Because she was sure based on the quality of the print it must have been ink jet. *cricket cricket*. Then once the flood gates of her mouth opened, it didn't stop. She was asking us about every movie we had seen and telling us every movie she had.
"And did you know that Avatar has made more money than Titanic so James Cameron is thinking of re-releasing it back into theaters as a 3d movie...
"Hi Helen... so good to see you."
"Are you going to Dear John tomorrow and then From Paris with Love on Friday?"
"OK, good. See you there."
"Did you know that you can sneak food into the theater if you have big enough pockets?"
"The only thing that is hard is a drink, but if your purse was big enough, you could put it in there. Are you excited to see this movie?"... Just like that."
Maybe it was the Michael Jackson t-shirt and bright red headband that was throwing me off, or maybe it was the fanny pack. Either way, Zach and I were fighting to see who could make it through the door faster so as not to get stuck sitting next to her. Victory for us! We lost her at the purse check station.
Now, this is not just one isolated incident. There were crazies at the next movie we went to as well... Equipped with folding chairs and everything. They all hugged each other when they got in the theater and visited with others. There were even inside jokes between people from across the room.
Wow. That is really all I can say.
The Newbies:
These are the people who get free tickets from their friends for a movie that night. They rush home after work discussing how early they need to be there. At first they don't think that they need to be there because there cannot be that many people that have tickets for this, or that will actually go to a 7:30 movie on a school night. They let the dogs out and hit the road. Halfway there they decide that they should just eat dinner somewhere at the mall where the movie is showing and then head over to get in line. Upon entering the mall, you can hear a rumbling of noise coming from the floor above (where the theater is located.) There are already at least 100 people in line and the movie is not scheduled to start for another hour! This is not Harry Potter people, this is The Edge of Darkness. Needless to say, Zach had to run to Sonic while I got in line and we ate dinner on the floor of the lobby. Us = Classy.
The Ones that didn't want to pay for a sitter to go to a free movie screening:
Let me preface this: I am not a parent, so I cannot judge what parents do. I however, can judge the stupidity of people. When we got upstairs we noticed there were a lot of kids up there. I leaned over to Zach and asked to see the tickets. There it was in plain sight "This movie is rated R for graphic bloody violence and language". Sound perfect for my 6 year old, right?!?!?! WTF people. Just because you got free tickets, that doesn't mean that your kid needs to see it because you don't want to get a sitter. We were directly behind said family in line. When they approached the ticket attendant to get into the movie. He looked at her and then at her kid. He asked if she knew that this was a rated R movie, she said "I don't even know what movie this is.... that's OK, he will be fine". She then proceeded to walk in. Not sure how this kid fared in this movie, but the family next to us THAT HAD 3 KIDS UNDER 10, those kids were hating life the second a characters head gets blown off and her guts were hanging out everywhere. Great parenting!
The Regulars (a.k.a. the crazies):
There a complete underground of these people that spend their nights going from free screening to free screening. Now I am not talking about those that are critics or anything, just people. Several people brought their own folding chairs to sit in while waiting in line. What? I... hmmm. We had one such crazy behind us. Our first interaction with this woman is when she asked us if our ticket had been printed on an ink jet or laser printer. Because she was sure based on the quality of the print it must have been ink jet. *cricket cricket*. Then once the flood gates of her mouth opened, it didn't stop. She was asking us about every movie we had seen and telling us every movie she had.
"And did you know that Avatar has made more money than Titanic so James Cameron is thinking of re-releasing it back into theaters as a 3d movie...
"Hi Helen... so good to see you."
"Are you going to Dear John tomorrow and then From Paris with Love on Friday?"
"OK, good. See you there."
"Did you know that you can sneak food into the theater if you have big enough pockets?"
"The only thing that is hard is a drink, but if your purse was big enough, you could put it in there. Are you excited to see this movie?"... Just like that."
Maybe it was the Michael Jackson t-shirt and bright red headband that was throwing me off, or maybe it was the fanny pack. Either way, Zach and I were fighting to see who could make it through the door faster so as not to get stuck sitting next to her. Victory for us! We lost her at the purse check station.
Now, this is not just one isolated incident. There were crazies at the next movie we went to as well... Equipped with folding chairs and everything. They all hugged each other when they got in the theater and visited with others. There were even inside jokes between people from across the room.
Wow. That is really all I can say.
February 1, 2010
Gym Funnies
I have been informed that this story is not actually funny but sad, nonetheless, I thought it was amusing enough to write about.
So I have already mentioned that my gym had a crazy amount of Asians. This is more of a side note, but I took a poll. My own survey. I counted the people that walked up the stairs in front of my elliptical. Out of the 32 people that I saw come into the gym. I am not lying... 22 were Asian. Weird. Anyway, back to my story (which does have an Asian flair, so lay off me).
This evening I was watching the step class while I am ellipicizing. Not because I think it is hot, but because the elliptical that I have taken a liking to is located directly in front of the doors to the classroom. Oh that wonderful machine so strategically located directly in front of the giant fans. While watching the step class I notice something strange. There is a woman (Asian - there is the connection) standing in the middle to the classroom just standing. Everyone around her is stepping and twirling and jumping and she is just standing. It quickly dawns on me that she completely and utterly lost. The routine has turned her into a complete petrified statue. Every once in a while she attempts to step up on the step in time with the others, but 98% of the time she is standing completely still with her hands on her cheeks ala Kevin McAllister style. She would break up the complete stupor with a drink from her water bottle... because she was obviously parched. This goes on for a good 15 minutes until she slips out of the back of the class leaving her step behind and heading downstairs to the locker room.
Now, I do feel bad for her. I don't like to see anyone feel stupid like that. But I was completely mystified that it was actually happening.
So to the discouraged stepper out there, hang in there. You will find rhythm someday.
So I have already mentioned that my gym had a crazy amount of Asians. This is more of a side note, but I took a poll. My own survey. I counted the people that walked up the stairs in front of my elliptical. Out of the 32 people that I saw come into the gym. I am not lying... 22 were Asian. Weird. Anyway, back to my story (which does have an Asian flair, so lay off me).
This evening I was watching the step class while I am ellipicizing. Not because I think it is hot, but because the elliptical that I have taken a liking to is located directly in front of the doors to the classroom. Oh that wonderful machine so strategically located directly in front of the giant fans. While watching the step class I notice something strange. There is a woman (Asian - there is the connection) standing in the middle to the classroom just standing. Everyone around her is stepping and twirling and jumping and she is just standing. It quickly dawns on me that she completely and utterly lost. The routine has turned her into a complete petrified statue. Every once in a while she attempts to step up on the step in time with the others, but 98% of the time she is standing completely still with her hands on her cheeks ala Kevin McAllister style. She would break up the complete stupor with a drink from her water bottle... because she was obviously parched. This goes on for a good 15 minutes until she slips out of the back of the class leaving her step behind and heading downstairs to the locker room.
Now, I do feel bad for her. I don't like to see anyone feel stupid like that. But I was completely mystified that it was actually happening.
So to the discouraged stepper out there, hang in there. You will find rhythm someday.
January 21, 2010
My List
So a good friend of mine just blogged about his man crushes and in turn I would to divulge my top 10. These are men that if i got the chance with, my husband said go for it! I am sure this means that I need to let him have his way with his one and only girl Alessandra Ambrosia. This list really never changes... so prepare yourself for a barrage of beautiful men. Perhaps I will throw in some lady crushes at the end, just to keep things fair.
1. Ryan Reynolds.
Just look at him. Why would he not be my number 1? Why is he not everyone's number 1? Have you seen Blade Trinity? Chained shirtless to the ground. OMG. I even watched the Amityville Horror on Oxygen just because I saw in the preview that he was chopping wood shirtless. He is Canadian, but I won't hold that against him. And for him to be married to that retched Scarlet Johannsen... Don't get me wrong she is a pretty girl and all, but there is no way that she could satisfy his needs like I could. End.Of.Story.
2. Shemar Moore.
Now I don't often dabble in the love of a darker kind, but for this amazing specimen of man I will. Over and over and over again. He is the most beautiful black man on the planet and make my Wednesday nights that much better from 8-9. Criminal Minds would be lost without him.
3. David Beckham.
Do I really need to explain?
4. Taylor Kitch.
Friday Night Lights' smoking hot bad boy. With a mug like his, I cannot believe this show was ever in danger of getting canceled. Between him and Coach I am in heaven.
5. Brett Favre.
Yes, Brett Favre. If you were to look up "man" in the dictionary his picture would be below. And no Zach, that is not because he is cromagna man. He is rugged. He has salt and pepper hair and he has a rocket for an arm. Let me take a moment to myself. Ok, whew. He can leave his Wranglers on my floor any night, that's all I a going to say.
6. Johnny Depp.
This is one that will never go away. He is just damn good looking. And is it weird that I find him super attractive when he is dressed like a pirate?
7. Tommy Lee & 8. Dave Navarro.
This one needs some explaining. I am super attracted to dirty dirty rocker dudes... not their STD's. He is nasty and dirty and tattooed and I think it is insanely hot.
So Dave might be gay, he might be straight... but that eyeliner... oh that eyeliner. I love him for the same reasons that I love Tommy, but I feel like I would get less creepy crawlies in my no-no-cha-cha from this guy.
9. Hugh Jackman
Foreign... check! Muscular... check! Hot... check! Able to grow adamantium claws and kill a bitch at a moments notice... check!
10. The Men of Glee.
Minus Artie and Curt... sorry fellas. But the rest are cute and they can sing. Yes please! Mr. Shu is super goofy cute as is Finn. But minus that ridiculous mohawk, Puck is the winner of this group.
Lady Crushes:
1. Pre-Adopting-the-World Angelina.
Any woman that can wear a vial of blood around her neck would be a freak-in-the-sack. That is, if I was into that.
1. Ryan Reynolds.
Just look at him. Why would he not be my number 1? Why is he not everyone's number 1? Have you seen Blade Trinity? Chained shirtless to the ground. OMG. I even watched the Amityville Horror on Oxygen just because I saw in the preview that he was chopping wood shirtless. He is Canadian, but I won't hold that against him. And for him to be married to that retched Scarlet Johannsen... Don't get me wrong she is a pretty girl and all, but there is no way that she could satisfy his needs like I could. End.Of.Story.2. Shemar Moore.
Now I don't often dabble in the love of a darker kind, but for this amazing specimen of man I will. Over and over and over again. He is the most beautiful black man on the planet and make my Wednesday nights that much better from 8-9. Criminal Minds would be lost without him.3. David Beckham.
Do I really need to explain?4. Taylor Kitch.
Friday Night Lights' smoking hot bad boy. With a mug like his, I cannot believe this show was ever in danger of getting canceled. Between him and Coach I am in heaven. 5. Brett Favre.
Yes, Brett Favre. If you were to look up "man" in the dictionary his picture would be below. And no Zach, that is not because he is cromagna man. He is rugged. He has salt and pepper hair and he has a rocket for an arm. Let me take a moment to myself. Ok, whew. He can leave his Wranglers on my floor any night, that's all I a going to say.6. Johnny Depp.
This is one that will never go away. He is just damn good looking. And is it weird that I find him super attractive when he is dressed like a pirate?7. Tommy Lee & 8. Dave Navarro.
This one needs some explaining. I am super attracted to dirty dirty rocker dudes... not their STD's. He is nasty and dirty and tattooed and I think it is insanely hot.So Dave might be gay, he might be straight... but that eyeliner... oh that eyeliner. I love him for the same reasons that I love Tommy, but I feel like I would get less creepy crawlies in my no-no-cha-cha from this guy.
9. Hugh Jackman
Foreign... check! Muscular... check! Hot... check! Able to grow adamantium claws and kill a bitch at a moments notice... check!10. The Men of Glee.
Minus Artie and Curt... sorry fellas. But the rest are cute and they can sing. Yes please! Mr. Shu is super goofy cute as is Finn. But minus that ridiculous mohawk, Puck is the winner of this group.Lady Crushes:
1. Pre-Adopting-the-World Angelina.
Any woman that can wear a vial of blood around her neck would be a freak-in-the-sack. That is, if I was into that.
January 14, 2010
Tanning
You can think of me what you want, but I started tanning again today. Not because I want to blend in the with January beach bunnies that run a muck here in Dallas, but for 2 simple reasons.
#1. I have to be in a wedding in March.
#2. Everyone looks skinnier tan. End of Story.
You can't deny this one. Even blubber looks better tan. Right? I mean, even if you had to look at the naked body of Rosie O'Donnell, wouldn't you like it better with a little bronze on it. Just picture it. Let me help.
Now I won't spend every waking moment of fee time that I have in the tanning bed. There is a 24 hour rule to prevent that. I am aware of the risks and I am not the chronic addicted tanner that I was back in college. I use this semi regular tanning as a cocktail for my working out. Not only does it make the effects show up faster, you look better while at the gym working out. Double plus. At least now my face will be beat red because I am tan not just because I am slowly suffocating on the treadmill because I can't catch my breath and will not let the person next to me win that battle. Yes, I am that crazy one.
So back up off me. I feel better about myself when I am tan and I want to feel better about myself. ASAP.
#1. I have to be in a wedding in March.
#2. Everyone looks skinnier tan. End of Story.
You can't deny this one. Even blubber looks better tan. Right? I mean, even if you had to look at the naked body of Rosie O'Donnell, wouldn't you like it better with a little bronze on it. Just picture it. Let me help.
Now I won't spend every waking moment of fee time that I have in the tanning bed. There is a 24 hour rule to prevent that. I am aware of the risks and I am not the chronic addicted tanner that I was back in college. I use this semi regular tanning as a cocktail for my working out. Not only does it make the effects show up faster, you look better while at the gym working out. Double plus. At least now my face will be beat red because I am tan not just because I am slowly suffocating on the treadmill because I can't catch my breath and will not let the person next to me win that battle. Yes, I am that crazy one.
So back up off me. I feel better about myself when I am tan and I want to feel better about myself. ASAP.
January 11, 2010
Weekend Recap!
This weekend could have been a really good one if it hadn't been for those meddling kids... or this damn illness I have. It started last Tuesday with a fever and has now degenerated into a mean case of laryngitis mixed with some pretty righteous coughing. Perfect. I sound like a dying squeaker toy or a tranny as I was called this morning. Ugh. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me not to speak? Well, take that and multiply it by a million to get how hard it is to listen to the Glee soundtrack in your car everyday and not be able to belt anything out! Torture!
So despite the fact that I was sick all week, I worked through my illness. Yeah, I am that much of a hard worker. Ha! Not really, I just had too much crap to do to even take a day off and sleep. I muddled through. Now it may have been in a NyQuil induced haze (and yes, I did take NyQuil during the day) but I made it through. I was so excited to have a Happy Hour planned right after work on Friday. Zach and I packed up and headed to drink town with a bunch of other people from work. Not planning on staying out too late because the mutts at home were already crossing their legs, we headed out for a few drinks. The group was really feeling the night so we made plans to head out to another place to finish off the night. Since we had to let the dogs out, we took off for home. I guess we stayed too long at home because I was starting to get tired. We got back in the car and made our way to the Quarter Bar in Uptown - already going downhill. Most of the group was already there and we settled in for a pretty amusing night. Following along with the antics that are Austin's life provided a lot of fodder for the evening ...that and being told that we are old for leaving at 12:30 sealed the deal. I was just spent. That is when the laryngitis really set in.
Saturday was a lazy day marked by a ANTM marathon and lounging on the couch. That night we celebrated my sis-in-law's birthday by bowling (poorly)and karaoke night at the Quarter Bar in Addison. Saturday night was a minor fortune. Ugh. We had a pretty good group that night and it was fun. I was extremely sad that I was not able to sing a sure to be amazing duet with Austin to "Alone" due to the lack of voice, but because of a giant black man that was pestering us all night, I got a few free shots out of the deal. Not as fun as it was the first time we were there, all in all we still had a pretty good night.
The start to this week has not been the most amazing. I am still pretty tired and lacking any energy to work, which, let me tell you, makes working very difficult.
Bleh. Hope I start feeling better fast! I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!
So despite the fact that I was sick all week, I worked through my illness. Yeah, I am that much of a hard worker. Ha! Not really, I just had too much crap to do to even take a day off and sleep. I muddled through. Now it may have been in a NyQuil induced haze (and yes, I did take NyQuil during the day) but I made it through. I was so excited to have a Happy Hour planned right after work on Friday. Zach and I packed up and headed to drink town with a bunch of other people from work. Not planning on staying out too late because the mutts at home were already crossing their legs, we headed out for a few drinks. The group was really feeling the night so we made plans to head out to another place to finish off the night. Since we had to let the dogs out, we took off for home. I guess we stayed too long at home because I was starting to get tired. We got back in the car and made our way to the Quarter Bar in Uptown - already going downhill. Most of the group was already there and we settled in for a pretty amusing night. Following along with the antics that are Austin's life provided a lot of fodder for the evening ...that and being told that we are old for leaving at 12:30 sealed the deal. I was just spent. That is when the laryngitis really set in.
Saturday was a lazy day marked by a ANTM marathon and lounging on the couch. That night we celebrated my sis-in-law's birthday by bowling (poorly)and karaoke night at the Quarter Bar in Addison. Saturday night was a minor fortune. Ugh. We had a pretty good group that night and it was fun. I was extremely sad that I was not able to sing a sure to be amazing duet with Austin to "Alone" due to the lack of voice, but because of a giant black man that was pestering us all night, I got a few free shots out of the deal. Not as fun as it was the first time we were there, all in all we still had a pretty good night.
The start to this week has not been the most amazing. I am still pretty tired and lacking any energy to work, which, let me tell you, makes working very difficult.
Bleh. Hope I start feeling better fast! I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!
December 31, 2009
Just a Survey to Close Out the Year
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I didn’t change my hair color. Not by choice, but by necessity. Now I am bored and itching for a change.
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am not really sure that I made any hardcore ones last year. Lose weight – did that for a bit… I am making some for this year. They are outlined in my previous blog post thank you very much.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my best friend Michele.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thank you.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited Mexico on a cruise. One of my resolutions this year is to travel more. I hope to have something more to say to this question, this time next year.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Direction.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No one in particular sticks out in my mind. Must not have been a very memorable year for me.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably improving as a wife and friend. Something I’d like to continue to do for the rest of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not having more confidence in myself.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. I am thankful for that as well.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My car. Woot Woot. Gangsta!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Us. We managed to fill our emergency fund, start a Roth IRA, buy a car and remain debt free during this heinous financial year with no raises.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Tiger Woods. Not because I really care that much about his from day to day, but his behavior was despicable. And I think that it just came as such a shock that tarnished that wholesome image of his.
14. Where did most of your money go?
This is a question we ask ourselves a lot. I guess most of our money went to the mortgage (read: the interest on our mortgage). But there was a lot of other spending sprinkled in there too.
15. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
My cruise! Both families together – such a good trip!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Obsessed – Mariah Carey, this is thanks to my awesome new friend .
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or Sadder? Happier
- Thinner or Fatter? The exact same. I mean literally. WTF.
- Richer or Poorer? Emergency fund full – check. No debt – check. Being richer financially can lead to be richer with life in general.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling.
Spending more time with the people that enrich my life.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating… Why can’t I catch anorexia for a little bit at least. Just long enough to get skinny.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with both my family and Zach’s family at his parents house. It was so nice to be with my parents over the holidays. Round 2 with extended family happens this weekend. Can’t wait!
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
No one. Those of you that know me, I don’t talk on the phone. I don’t know what the problem is, I just don’t like it much. This is something I am working on.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Yes, I fall in love every year. Just don’t tell my husband. ;)
23. How many one-night stands?
None. Being married takes care of that for you. Unless of course you are Tiger Woods. See #13.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Glee. Ummmmm. I might be obsessed now. I am listening to the soundtrack as I type. I also really love Criminal Minds, but that is an obsession all on its own - one of the brown sugar persuasion. On another note, SYTYCD was horse shit this year.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t HATE anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
Cookbooks. I am in love with cooking.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
See #24.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted an iPhone – got one
I wanted a Wii fit – got one
I wanted a happy healthy year – I got one.
29. What did you want and not get?
??
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
Slum Dog Millionaire. I am not sure if it came out in 2009, but I saw it for the first time this year and loved it.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. I spent it with great friends at a bar. I repeated myself a lot. I tend to do that a lot when alcohol is involved.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It is hard to look back now and speculate what would have made you more satisfied. The journey is what gets you to where you want to be, not the looking back.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Trying to stay on trend as long as a cardigan is involved. Kind of my staple.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most/least?
I don’t really fancy any celebrity, but Twitter has made my stalking legal.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oh Lord. What issue didn’t?
37. Whom did you miss?
I am blessed to still have all those that are close to me still with me.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
@TheAustinReed – he has added a new dimension to life. We have a very tight group of friends and he just slipped right in. Tear.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Patience is a virtue.
40. Quote a song that sums up your year:
I am not sure if sums up the year or is an outlook for next year… Probably more of the latter.
“Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!”
I didn’t change my hair color. Not by choice, but by necessity. Now I am bored and itching for a change.
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am not really sure that I made any hardcore ones last year. Lose weight – did that for a bit… I am making some for this year. They are outlined in my previous blog post thank you very much.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my best friend Michele.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thank you.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited Mexico on a cruise. One of my resolutions this year is to travel more. I hope to have something more to say to this question, this time next year.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Direction.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No one in particular sticks out in my mind. Must not have been a very memorable year for me.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably improving as a wife and friend. Something I’d like to continue to do for the rest of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not having more confidence in myself.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. I am thankful for that as well.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My car. Woot Woot. Gangsta!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Us. We managed to fill our emergency fund, start a Roth IRA, buy a car and remain debt free during this heinous financial year with no raises.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Tiger Woods. Not because I really care that much about his from day to day, but his behavior was despicable. And I think that it just came as such a shock that tarnished that wholesome image of his.
14. Where did most of your money go?
This is a question we ask ourselves a lot. I guess most of our money went to the mortgage (read: the interest on our mortgage). But there was a lot of other spending sprinkled in there too.
15. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
My cruise! Both families together – such a good trip!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Obsessed – Mariah Carey, this is thanks to my awesome new friend .
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or Sadder? Happier
- Thinner or Fatter? The exact same. I mean literally. WTF.
- Richer or Poorer? Emergency fund full – check. No debt – check. Being richer financially can lead to be richer with life in general.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling.
Spending more time with the people that enrich my life.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating… Why can’t I catch anorexia for a little bit at least. Just long enough to get skinny.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with both my family and Zach’s family at his parents house. It was so nice to be with my parents over the holidays. Round 2 with extended family happens this weekend. Can’t wait!
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
No one. Those of you that know me, I don’t talk on the phone. I don’t know what the problem is, I just don’t like it much. This is something I am working on.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Yes, I fall in love every year. Just don’t tell my husband. ;)
23. How many one-night stands?
None. Being married takes care of that for you. Unless of course you are Tiger Woods. See #13.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Glee. Ummmmm. I might be obsessed now. I am listening to the soundtrack as I type. I also really love Criminal Minds, but that is an obsession all on its own - one of the brown sugar persuasion. On another note, SYTYCD was horse shit this year.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t HATE anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
Cookbooks. I am in love with cooking.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
See #24.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted an iPhone – got one
I wanted a Wii fit – got one
I wanted a happy healthy year – I got one.
29. What did you want and not get?
??
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
Slum Dog Millionaire. I am not sure if it came out in 2009, but I saw it for the first time this year and loved it.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. I spent it with great friends at a bar. I repeated myself a lot. I tend to do that a lot when alcohol is involved.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It is hard to look back now and speculate what would have made you more satisfied. The journey is what gets you to where you want to be, not the looking back.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Trying to stay on trend as long as a cardigan is involved. Kind of my staple.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most/least?
I don’t really fancy any celebrity, but Twitter has made my stalking legal.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oh Lord. What issue didn’t?
37. Whom did you miss?
I am blessed to still have all those that are close to me still with me.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
@TheAustinReed – he has added a new dimension to life. We have a very tight group of friends and he just slipped right in. Tear.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Patience is a virtue.
40. Quote a song that sums up your year:
I am not sure if sums up the year or is an outlook for next year… Probably more of the latter.
“Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!”
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