In an effort to make our life together a little more organized, I am making some changes around here. Soon, a new page layout will be unrolled, and you'll be amazed.
I'm not sure if you'll be amazed, but at the very least, you'll be entertained with the new layout. Until the novelty wares off anyway...
In addition, I have moved all of the content regarding coupon binders and tutorials to my coupon binder store website. If you're interested in all things coupon/money saving, please add www.couponbinderstore.com to your blogroll, as I'll be posting any future posts of that nature on my new site.
I'll be focusing my posts on Jogger's Life on the things that I love the most:
Jogging.
Exercising.
Eating.
It's sort of like separation of church and state. Only better.
Showing posts with label I Love Randomness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Love Randomness. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I Just Thought you Should Know.
I have not died.
I am merely buried in a heaping pile of end of fiscal year paperwork. This will be my life for at least 3 more weeks. Hopefully I will survive.
I shall write something more meaningful later, likely involving Green Smoothies, my new Garmin (YESSSSS!!!!), and how to really piss your neighbors off at 11:30PM.
I am merely buried in a heaping pile of end of fiscal year paperwork. This will be my life for at least 3 more weeks. Hopefully I will survive.
I shall write something more meaningful later, likely involving Green Smoothies, my new Garmin (YESSSSS!!!!), and how to really piss your neighbors off at 11:30PM.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
After a brief hiatus from Thoughtful Thursdays, I'm back.
Don't be scared.
1) I've come to terms with the fact that I don't want to be a CPA. However, I still feel like I need to be "something". When I nonchalantly faced My Gazelle with this conversation on Sunday night, he responded, "well, what do you want to do?" My response? "I'm just not ready to speak it into the universe yet!" Then I ran away. Literally. That's just what I do.
I felt like he asked me the formula to calculate the speed of light. Or the correct way to divide a recipe into 2 (this has never been my strong point). I ran away because even though I fully know what I want to be, I constantly struggle with self doubt. I don't know if I will succeed at the things I really want to do in life. I'm an accountant, and I'm good at it, but it's not my passion. I feel like there is more out there for me. I have a strong desire to help. The three career choices that I wanted to pursue as a junior in high school searching for colleges were as follows:
1) Physical therapist
2) Social worker
3) Occupational therapist
I'm an accountant. I often sit back and wonder how I got "here". I consistently failed math from grades K-12. You do the math.
2) Today I am officially almost better after the mysterious debilitating sickness that fell upon me after my run on Sunday. I still have this pesky headache that comes and goes, and the occasional cough, but for the most part I'm doing well. I'm considering a short run tonight to test the waters. On Monday, I was already planning my running schedule this week around my sickness. I announced to My Gazelle on Monday night "I will run Thursday, Friday & Sunday this week...it'll be ok." So, hopefully a run tonight will not set me back, but I'll take it easy just in case.
3) I'm chalking up my quick recovery (4 days isn't bad at all) to my recent commitment to The Green Smoothie Challenge, lots of Airborne, homeopathic nasal spray, the Vick's Personal Steam Inhaler, and sleep.
4) Speaking of The Green Smoothie Challenge, if you haven't tried your first Green Smoothie, please do. The things are not as bad as they might seem. Today is day #5, and I am pretty convinced that the benefits of drinking these smoothies are huge. Anyone who has **ahem** abdominal issues **ahem** should really consider drinking these bad boys. As I mentioned before, it took the first 2 days for my body to become used to all of the veggies and fiber in one shot, but it's been smooth sailing for the past 3 days. I even convinced My Gazelle to try his first smoothie on day #3, and he's been on the bandwagon with me ever since. This is from a man who will only eat broccoli, green beans, and raw carrots.
5) It didn't really occur to me how labor intensive putting together 12 coupon binders would be. Until I had to put together 12 coupon binders. I had no idea that the response would be so overwhelming for my silly old binders. It does make me happy though! It has also prompted me to launch a website specifically for my coupon binders. There is obviously a need for these things, so I shall fill it! I already bought the domain name, so now I'm just getting everything photographed and organized on the website/store. How fun!
6) I never did make those bacon chocolate chip cookies. I need to do that this weekend.
7) Speaking of this weekend. I'm kind of sad because this is the first weekend that my Gazelle will be working a whole weekend after a month of free or semi-free weekends. He would of had Sunday off, but instead he picked up an overtime shift from 1PM-9PM. It makes me sad, but hopefully he's putting aside some cashola for that which I shall never again save on my desktop again.
8) How many blog giveaways do I have to enter before I actually win something? Just wondering. I'm going to start counting entries so that I can come up with some sort of odds like in Vegas. Because I think I've entered about 50 contests in the past 10 days, and no wins yet!
Don't be scared.
1) I've come to terms with the fact that I don't want to be a CPA. However, I still feel like I need to be "something". When I nonchalantly faced My Gazelle with this conversation on Sunday night, he responded, "well, what do you want to do?" My response? "I'm just not ready to speak it into the universe yet!" Then I ran away. Literally. That's just what I do.
I felt like he asked me the formula to calculate the speed of light. Or the correct way to divide a recipe into 2 (this has never been my strong point). I ran away because even though I fully know what I want to be, I constantly struggle with self doubt. I don't know if I will succeed at the things I really want to do in life. I'm an accountant, and I'm good at it, but it's not my passion. I feel like there is more out there for me. I have a strong desire to help. The three career choices that I wanted to pursue as a junior in high school searching for colleges were as follows:
1) Physical therapist
2) Social worker
3) Occupational therapist
I'm an accountant. I often sit back and wonder how I got "here". I consistently failed math from grades K-12. You do the math.
2) Today I am officially almost better after the mysterious debilitating sickness that fell upon me after my run on Sunday. I still have this pesky headache that comes and goes, and the occasional cough, but for the most part I'm doing well. I'm considering a short run tonight to test the waters. On Monday, I was already planning my running schedule this week around my sickness. I announced to My Gazelle on Monday night "I will run Thursday, Friday & Sunday this week...it'll be ok." So, hopefully a run tonight will not set me back, but I'll take it easy just in case.
3) I'm chalking up my quick recovery (4 days isn't bad at all) to my recent commitment to The Green Smoothie Challenge, lots of Airborne, homeopathic nasal spray, the Vick's Personal Steam Inhaler, and sleep.
4) Speaking of The Green Smoothie Challenge, if you haven't tried your first Green Smoothie, please do. The things are not as bad as they might seem. Today is day #5, and I am pretty convinced that the benefits of drinking these smoothies are huge. Anyone who has **ahem** abdominal issues **ahem** should really consider drinking these bad boys. As I mentioned before, it took the first 2 days for my body to become used to all of the veggies and fiber in one shot, but it's been smooth sailing for the past 3 days. I even convinced My Gazelle to try his first smoothie on day #3, and he's been on the bandwagon with me ever since. This is from a man who will only eat broccoli, green beans, and raw carrots.
5) It didn't really occur to me how labor intensive putting together 12 coupon binders would be. Until I had to put together 12 coupon binders. I had no idea that the response would be so overwhelming for my silly old binders. It does make me happy though! It has also prompted me to launch a website specifically for my coupon binders. There is obviously a need for these things, so I shall fill it! I already bought the domain name, so now I'm just getting everything photographed and organized on the website/store. How fun!
6) I never did make those bacon chocolate chip cookies. I need to do that this weekend.
7) Speaking of this weekend. I'm kind of sad because this is the first weekend that my Gazelle will be working a whole weekend after a month of free or semi-free weekends. He would of had Sunday off, but instead he picked up an overtime shift from 1PM-9PM. It makes me sad, but hopefully he's putting aside some cashola for that which I shall never again save on my desktop again.
8) How many blog giveaways do I have to enter before I actually win something? Just wondering. I'm going to start counting entries so that I can come up with some sort of odds like in Vegas. Because I think I've entered about 50 contests in the past 10 days, and no wins yet!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
What NOT to Save to Your Desktop
Every girl dreams of her future wedding. It's an undeniable fact.
When a woman finds a man that she can see herself with for the rest of her life, those dreams grow bigger, and they get closer to the surface.
When a woman is 31 years old, has hopes and dreams to one day be a mommy, AND has found a man that she can't imagine her life without, the dreams sometimes wake her up from a dreamy sleep. They bang on her doors. They scream and yell and make unreasonable demands of her.
They make her download pictures of the "perfect ring" to her desktop for any random passerby to peruse.
You know.
Random passersby like the man that she can't imagine her life without.
"Whoaaaa...what is that?"
"What? Huh? Ohhhhhh.....CRAP!!!!!"
Note to self:
Do not download those things to the desktop. Put them in their own separate folder. Label the folder "How to Do Laundry".
He'll never look there.
P.s...Is that the most wonderfully perfect ring or what??!!
When a woman finds a man that she can see herself with for the rest of her life, those dreams grow bigger, and they get closer to the surface.
When a woman is 31 years old, has hopes and dreams to one day be a mommy, AND has found a man that she can't imagine her life without, the dreams sometimes wake her up from a dreamy sleep. They bang on her doors. They scream and yell and make unreasonable demands of her.
They make her download pictures of the "perfect ring" to her desktop for any random passerby to peruse.
You know.
Random passersby like the man that she can't imagine her life without.
"Whoaaaa...what is that?"
"What? Huh? Ohhhhhh.....CRAP!!!!!"
Note to self:
Do not download those things to the desktop. Put them in their own separate folder. Label the folder "How to Do Laundry".
He'll never look there.
P.s...Is that the most wonderfully perfect ring or what??!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday Friday!
I knew yesterday was Thursday, so it's not like I forgot to write my traditional Thoughtful Thursday post. I was mostly just bucking the system because I really wanted to do an actual post about my food log. So, hopefully I didn't cause anyone to have a seizure.
We'll just pretend that today is yesterday.
Ok?
Sweet.
1) I lovingly packed my gym bag this morning with the intention that I would hit the gym at lunch for the "strength" portion of my workout today. I have to run 4.5 miles as well, but if I get the "strength" portion out of the way at lunch, then I'll have more time to hang out with My Gazelle tonight. You know, he has that crazy po po schedule, so I actually have him for the entire weekend after 3 months of the schedule from hell.
So, I packed my gym bag. Then, I conveniently walked out of the door without it. Of course.
I sent My Gazelle a text message with the sole purpose of just letting him know what a doodad I am for forgetting it. Then, I received a message back from him, letting me know that he was already on his way to my office to drop it off.
And then my heart exploded.
2) Speaking of My Gazelle. Last night, he received his yellow belt in Street Combat. He is on target to receive his black belt in 2 years, and he is so excited about that! In the short time that he has been involved with this class, I've seen an incredible change in him. He is more confident in himself, has become much more dedicated and focused, and he truly believes in himself. Not to mention, he is completely ripped. This is such a bonus. I mean, he works out, so he's always had an awesome body, but now he's stepped it up a few more notches.
Last night, during his belt ceremony, it also occurred to me that he looks totally hot when he kicks inanimate objects. Grrrrr!
3) Flip-flopping my schedule again this week. Tonight I'll do last night's 4.5 mile run, take tomorrow off, and then do my long Sunday run as planned. Hopefully I'll make it through my long Sunday run as planned.
4) Despite the fact that I am an incredibly impatient little jogger, I am (trying to) patiently wait for my Garmin to arrive as a birthday gift. You mean I have to wait until April??!! I want a Garmin so badly now that it consumes my thoughts sometimes. Like right now. Why? Well...this morning, during my standard morning "catch up on the bloggies that updated while I wasn't online" drill, I read Sweet Victory's most recent post about the fact that now you can seamlessly import your Garmin info to runningAHEAD. For reals??!! That makes me excited, impatient, and crazy. All at the same time.
5) Last night, while at the belt ceremony, the owners of the school (The Bam's) brought their 2 year old son on the floor to do his demonstration. I wanted to eat this little boy up. His name was Mosiah, and he was adorable. He clearly had the skill of a 2 year old, but I was so impressed by his ability to listen and pay attention at such a young age. He sat during the entire ceremony with very little trouble whatsoever. I decided last night that my children (as imaginary as they may be at the moment) will be involved in martial arts.
Sidebar: Little Mosiah earned a yellow belt, just like My Gazelle. It makes me want to laugh a little.
6) I think I'm coming down with a cold. I've been drinking Airborne like it's my job.
7) I had every intention of posting the next JL Coupon Tutorial tonight. Problem is that now I've lost my memory card reader, and....wait for it...it had my memory card in it! Isn't that awesome? I was so happy to find that out last night when I grabbed my camera for the belt ceremony, but found that it had no memory card in it. I searched high and low, but cannot find the card reader, which contains the magical memory card. I am the type of person who often "loses" things, and since I'm impatient (see above), I immediately go out and buy a new version of whatever it is that I lost. Then like a week later, the original pops up, and then I have 2. So. True to form, I will buy a new memory card and reader tonight after work. Before my run.
8) The above-mentioned JL Coupon Tutorial needs to happen soon. The reason why? Well...as of tomorrow, I will officially be hoarding 3 copies of The Washington Post for the past 3 weekends. That's 9 papers. That's a whole buncha coupons. However, all of those hoarded coupons will make it much easier for me to load the binders for the 3 winners of my JL Coupon Binder Giveaway! This giveaway is still going on until March 1, by the way. Enter now if you haven't already! So far, there are only 18 entries, so the chances of winning a binder are great!
9) Someone called me the "Crazy Giveaway Lady" last week. I'm perfectly fine with that title. It's not really too far from the truth. In fact, the only way that it could really be any more true would be to add a "Jogging" after the "Crazy". "Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady". Has a certain ring to it.
10) Yesterday, The Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady received prop #1 in the iFitness =or= SpiBELT giveaway. I should receive prop #2 today, as it has already shipped out. I am planning to try out prop #1 this weekend, and will send the lucky winner prop #2 as soon as it is received. Don't forget that you can still enter this giveaway too! I'm The Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady. And don't you forget it.
Ok, peace out! Hope you're having an awesome Friday!
We'll just pretend that today is yesterday.
Ok?
Sweet.
1) I lovingly packed my gym bag this morning with the intention that I would hit the gym at lunch for the "strength" portion of my workout today. I have to run 4.5 miles as well, but if I get the "strength" portion out of the way at lunch, then I'll have more time to hang out with My Gazelle tonight. You know, he has that crazy po po schedule, so I actually have him for the entire weekend after 3 months of the schedule from hell.
So, I packed my gym bag. Then, I conveniently walked out of the door without it. Of course.
I sent My Gazelle a text message with the sole purpose of just letting him know what a doodad I am for forgetting it. Then, I received a message back from him, letting me know that he was already on his way to my office to drop it off.
And then my heart exploded.
2) Speaking of My Gazelle. Last night, he received his yellow belt in Street Combat. He is on target to receive his black belt in 2 years, and he is so excited about that! In the short time that he has been involved with this class, I've seen an incredible change in him. He is more confident in himself, has become much more dedicated and focused, and he truly believes in himself. Not to mention, he is completely ripped. This is such a bonus. I mean, he works out, so he's always had an awesome body, but now he's stepped it up a few more notches.
Last night, during his belt ceremony, it also occurred to me that he looks totally hot when he kicks inanimate objects. Grrrrr!
3) Flip-flopping my schedule again this week. Tonight I'll do last night's 4.5 mile run, take tomorrow off, and then do my long Sunday run as planned. Hopefully I'll make it through my long Sunday run as planned.
4) Despite the fact that I am an incredibly impatient little jogger, I am (trying to) patiently wait for my Garmin to arrive as a birthday gift. You mean I have to wait until April??!! I want a Garmin so badly now that it consumes my thoughts sometimes. Like right now. Why? Well...this morning, during my standard morning "catch up on the bloggies that updated while I wasn't online" drill, I read Sweet Victory's most recent post about the fact that now you can seamlessly import your Garmin info to runningAHEAD. For reals??!! That makes me excited, impatient, and crazy. All at the same time.
5) Last night, while at the belt ceremony, the owners of the school (The Bam's) brought their 2 year old son on the floor to do his demonstration. I wanted to eat this little boy up. His name was Mosiah, and he was adorable. He clearly had the skill of a 2 year old, but I was so impressed by his ability to listen and pay attention at such a young age. He sat during the entire ceremony with very little trouble whatsoever. I decided last night that my children (as imaginary as they may be at the moment) will be involved in martial arts.
Sidebar: Little Mosiah earned a yellow belt, just like My Gazelle. It makes me want to laugh a little.
6) I think I'm coming down with a cold. I've been drinking Airborne like it's my job.
7) I had every intention of posting the next JL Coupon Tutorial tonight. Problem is that now I've lost my memory card reader, and....wait for it...it had my memory card in it! Isn't that awesome? I was so happy to find that out last night when I grabbed my camera for the belt ceremony, but found that it had no memory card in it. I searched high and low, but cannot find the card reader, which contains the magical memory card. I am the type of person who often "loses" things, and since I'm impatient (see above), I immediately go out and buy a new version of whatever it is that I lost. Then like a week later, the original pops up, and then I have 2. So. True to form, I will buy a new memory card and reader tonight after work. Before my run.
8) The above-mentioned JL Coupon Tutorial needs to happen soon. The reason why? Well...as of tomorrow, I will officially be hoarding 3 copies of The Washington Post for the past 3 weekends. That's 9 papers. That's a whole buncha coupons. However, all of those hoarded coupons will make it much easier for me to load the binders for the 3 winners of my JL Coupon Binder Giveaway! This giveaway is still going on until March 1, by the way. Enter now if you haven't already! So far, there are only 18 entries, so the chances of winning a binder are great!
9) Someone called me the "Crazy Giveaway Lady" last week. I'm perfectly fine with that title. It's not really too far from the truth. In fact, the only way that it could really be any more true would be to add a "Jogging" after the "Crazy". "Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady". Has a certain ring to it.
10) Yesterday, The Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady received prop #1 in the iFitness =or= SpiBELT giveaway. I should receive prop #2 today, as it has already shipped out. I am planning to try out prop #1 this weekend, and will send the lucky winner prop #2 as soon as it is received. Don't forget that you can still enter this giveaway too! I'm The Crazy Jogging Giveaway Lady. And don't you forget it.
Ok, peace out! Hope you're having an awesome Friday!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
My first thought when I typed "Thoughtful Thursday" was...
Holy crap! It's Thursday already?! And, that has basically been the theme for my whole week...
Holy crap! It's (insert day here) already??!!
I am completely off balance/out of alignment/non-focused this week from a mental standpoint. I mean...I'm not mental, per se. Just not all "there". I'm scatterbrained. Flaky. Blonde. Without being exactly blonde.
Sorry blondes.
That said, don't expect organization to magically occur in this post. Don't wait for it. It just won't ever arrive.
1) I wonder if the fact that I just ate an entire troth full of shrimp pad thai from Pei Wei is going to make me run fast like lightening tonight? My logical guess is a resounding "NNNNNOOOOO!", but a girl can dream. Shrimp pad thai is basically the bane of my existence. I crave the cilantro. The noodles. The peanutty spicy goodness. I'm pretty sure that if someone set another troth of shrimp pad thai in front of me right now, I'd eat that one too. All of it. With no regard for how slow it'd make me run tonight. Now that's devotion. To the pad thai, and to my running schedule.
2)
You know what this is? This, loved ones, is a registration confirmation which clearly states, "there is no backing out now, candyass!" Oh, you don't see it there? It's definitely right there in bold font...maybe you just can't see it because it's written in a font that can only be viewed by candyasses like myself. So, consider yourself lucky that you can't read it.
This is my official registration for the Maryland Double, which means that I am really and truly going to run two 1/2 marathons this year. In the same calendar year. Within mere months of each other. I've only ran 3 5K's in my life. The pure logistics of pulling this off still sometimes boggles my mind, but I'm really doin it. The novelty will wear off. I'll stop marveling in it. Just be patient with me. I need some time. Love me anyway, ok?
3) Proof that I can actually pull this off is in the fact that I'm 3.5 weeks into training, and I feel awesome. I had to shift my run schedule because last night I got locked out of my house (long story), but I'll make it up by running tonight and tomorrow (my normal full rest day is Friday). So, Tuesday I did a 4.5 mile awesome, SUPER, fabulous run on the treadmill at 10:16 average pace. WHAT? Did I just say 10:16 aahhhvvverage pace? Yes, yes. 10:16 average pace. I was totally kicking ass. I did the P:I week 3 run again, and totally crushed it. My legs were sore from the strength crap that I did on Monday, but I ran through it and everything was fine. I'm actually kind of glad that I switched up my runs this week because I had an extra day to recover from that run on Tuesday. Tonight I'll run 4, tomorrow just 2, then Sunday is my long run of 7. This week I will actually do 7...no copping out this time like last week. Candyass.
4) I am going to get a Garmin. I said it. I'm still a jogger though. Don't be fooled by the Garmin. I'm just afraid that if I get the Polar, I'll wish that I got a Garmin down the road at some point, and then I'll have to buy a Garmin too. Then I'll have this random Polar running watch laying around the house...taking up $125 worth of space on my dresser...getting knocked on the floor when I vacuum, then taking up $125 worth of space on the floor behind the dresser. Lost. Never to be found again (because WHO ever cleans behind dressers anyway?). So, rather than buy the Polar and then doom it to a lifetime of existence behind my dresser, living in filth, I'm going to kindly request a Garmin from My Gazelle for my birthday. I love him.
5) I love him for so many reasons, but he brought me breakfast this morning at work. And, not only was it breakfast, but it was an everything bagel from Panera. And, it had sausage, egg, and cheese. I mean seriously...despite the fact that it's horrible for my arteries, and could possibly take up permanent residence on my round, perfectly-shaped (cough, cough) ass, is this NOT the sweetest gesture ever? To show my appreciation, and only to show my appreciation, I completely schmarfed the entire thing in about 2 seconds flat. I think he got the idea. I appreciated.
6) Speaking of schmarfing. I am SO schmarfing hungry lately! I can only guess that it's because of the increase in my mileage, but holy schmarfing schmarfing! In the midst of my increased state of schmarfing, I've been reading about My Other Gazelle being completely schmarfing hungry lately as well, and I know that she is also running more. It seems to be a theme around bloggville lately. I guess everyone is training more for race season, and thus schmarfing more. Hopefully I will still be able to fit into my schmarfing SkirtSports Skirt come race day!
7) Our condo is being painted. I love the idea of fresh paint. I don't, however, love the idea of being locked out of my condo because I gave the painter the key and he doesn't understand English, so he took my key home, and My Gazelle is policing and can't conveniently meet me to give me a key. Picture it: Me, my 2 poor, helpless, rescued pups, and my iPhoney, traipsing around the DC area in My Gazelle's pickup, trying to gain access to our home. We were homeless. Temporarily of course. But homeless just the same.
The only thing worse than being homeless was finally gaining entry to our home and realizing that the painter hadn't left any windows open. I opened the door to "my condo just got painted, how beeeeaaaautiful", so the reality of "oh my GAWD, my poor bird's eyes are completely glazed over" was a bit of a buzz-kill. My $900 (not-rescued, but equally-as-loved) parrot was wallowing in paint fumes for 5 hours. I half expected to visit the birdy-vet last night. It made me sad. I immediately opened every window in the house, turned on every fan, and began refreshing my memory on the techniques of birdy CPR. I couldn't recall having learned any. I almost started to dial 9-1-1, but then the freakish look in her eyes subsided, and she started talking to me again. Crisis averted. All she needed was a little fresh air. I'm glad the painting is over.
8) I know that the answer is "no", but I'm asking it anyway. Does Diet Dr. Pepper = hydration? I wish it did. Because I'd be really hydrated right now.
9) Happy Thursday! Love you!
p.s...I'll check in later with a report on how fast the pad thai made (or didn't make) me.
Holy crap! It's Thursday already?! And, that has basically been the theme for my whole week...
Holy crap! It's (insert day here) already??!!
I am completely off balance/out of alignment/non-focused this week from a mental standpoint. I mean...I'm not mental, per se. Just not all "there". I'm scatterbrained. Flaky. Blonde. Without being exactly blonde.
Sorry blondes.
That said, don't expect organization to magically occur in this post. Don't wait for it. It just won't ever arrive.
1) I wonder if the fact that I just ate an entire troth full of shrimp pad thai from Pei Wei is going to make me run fast like lightening tonight? My logical guess is a resounding "NNNNNOOOOO!", but a girl can dream. Shrimp pad thai is basically the bane of my existence. I crave the cilantro. The noodles. The peanutty spicy goodness. I'm pretty sure that if someone set another troth of shrimp pad thai in front of me right now, I'd eat that one too. All of it. With no regard for how slow it'd make me run tonight. Now that's devotion. To the pad thai, and to my running schedule.
2)
You know what this is? This, loved ones, is a registration confirmation which clearly states, "there is no backing out now, candyass!" Oh, you don't see it there? It's definitely right there in bold font...maybe you just can't see it because it's written in a font that can only be viewed by candyasses like myself. So, consider yourself lucky that you can't read it.
This is my official registration for the Maryland Double, which means that I am really and truly going to run two 1/2 marathons this year. In the same calendar year. Within mere months of each other. I've only ran 3 5K's in my life. The pure logistics of pulling this off still sometimes boggles my mind, but I'm really doin it. The novelty will wear off. I'll stop marveling in it. Just be patient with me. I need some time. Love me anyway, ok?
3) Proof that I can actually pull this off is in the fact that I'm 3.5 weeks into training, and I feel awesome. I had to shift my run schedule because last night I got locked out of my house (long story), but I'll make it up by running tonight and tomorrow (my normal full rest day is Friday). So, Tuesday I did a 4.5 mile awesome, SUPER, fabulous run on the treadmill at 10:16 average pace. WHAT? Did I just say 10:16 aahhhvvverage pace? Yes, yes. 10:16 average pace. I was totally kicking ass. I did the P:I week 3 run again, and totally crushed it. My legs were sore from the strength crap that I did on Monday, but I ran through it and everything was fine. I'm actually kind of glad that I switched up my runs this week because I had an extra day to recover from that run on Tuesday. Tonight I'll run 4, tomorrow just 2, then Sunday is my long run of 7. This week I will actually do 7...no copping out this time like last week. Candyass.
4) I am going to get a Garmin. I said it. I'm still a jogger though. Don't be fooled by the Garmin. I'm just afraid that if I get the Polar, I'll wish that I got a Garmin down the road at some point, and then I'll have to buy a Garmin too. Then I'll have this random Polar running watch laying around the house...taking up $125 worth of space on my dresser...getting knocked on the floor when I vacuum, then taking up $125 worth of space on the floor behind the dresser. Lost. Never to be found again (because WHO ever cleans behind dressers anyway?). So, rather than buy the Polar and then doom it to a lifetime of existence behind my dresser, living in filth, I'm going to kindly request a Garmin from My Gazelle for my birthday. I love him.
5) I love him for so many reasons, but he brought me breakfast this morning at work. And, not only was it breakfast, but it was an everything bagel from Panera. And, it had sausage, egg, and cheese. I mean seriously...despite the fact that it's horrible for my arteries, and could possibly take up permanent residence on my round, perfectly-shaped (cough, cough) ass, is this NOT the sweetest gesture ever? To show my appreciation, and only to show my appreciation, I completely schmarfed the entire thing in about 2 seconds flat. I think he got the idea. I appreciated.
6) Speaking of schmarfing. I am SO schmarfing hungry lately! I can only guess that it's because of the increase in my mileage, but holy schmarfing schmarfing! In the midst of my increased state of schmarfing, I've been reading about My Other Gazelle being completely schmarfing hungry lately as well, and I know that she is also running more. It seems to be a theme around bloggville lately. I guess everyone is training more for race season, and thus schmarfing more. Hopefully I will still be able to fit into my schmarfing SkirtSports Skirt come race day!
7) Our condo is being painted. I love the idea of fresh paint. I don't, however, love the idea of being locked out of my condo because I gave the painter the key and he doesn't understand English, so he took my key home, and My Gazelle is policing and can't conveniently meet me to give me a key. Picture it: Me, my 2 poor, helpless, rescued pups, and my iPhoney, traipsing around the DC area in My Gazelle's pickup, trying to gain access to our home. We were homeless. Temporarily of course. But homeless just the same.
The only thing worse than being homeless was finally gaining entry to our home and realizing that the painter hadn't left any windows open. I opened the door to "my condo just got painted, how beeeeaaaautiful", so the reality of "oh my GAWD, my poor bird's eyes are completely glazed over" was a bit of a buzz-kill. My $900 (not-rescued, but equally-as-loved) parrot was wallowing in paint fumes for 5 hours. I half expected to visit the birdy-vet last night. It made me sad. I immediately opened every window in the house, turned on every fan, and began refreshing my memory on the techniques of birdy CPR. I couldn't recall having learned any. I almost started to dial 9-1-1, but then the freakish look in her eyes subsided, and she started talking to me again. Crisis averted. All she needed was a little fresh air. I'm glad the painting is over.
8) I know that the answer is "no", but I'm asking it anyway. Does Diet Dr. Pepper = hydration? I wish it did. Because I'd be really hydrated right now.
9) Happy Thursday! Love you!
p.s...I'll check in later with a report on how fast the pad thai made (or didn't make) me.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
I'm glad that today is Thoughtful Thursday because there is SO much to tell you, and this post will allow me to touch on all of those things without putting you through too much painful detail.
Well, for now anyway...stay tuned for the painful detail part in the coming days.
1) I have 2 product reviews coming up (Bondi Band & Truvia), and one in the works. I am so excited.
2) The above "in the works" product review involves YOU too! YOU are going to help ME. Well, one of YOU will help ME. The reason why I need help? Well...I'll post that separately later on today. You're gonna have to stay on your toes to keep up with me today...It's going to be a busy day in Joggerville. Hope your Google reader is prepared for this mess I'm about to create!
3) Sometimes, I wonder if bacon cookies taste good. I think I'm going to try them this weekend. My Gazelle loves bacon, and he loves chocolate chip cookies. So. I'm concluding that he would LUHHHVE bacon chocolate chip cookies. That is the theory. To be continued.
4) Cupcakes are my friend. I made cupcakes on Monday, then brought them to work. Well, first I ate 8 or 10 of them...THEN I brought them to work. Now, I want to try another cupcake recipe, so I will make them this weekend and bring them to work again. Is this some sort of affliction? I've heard of those strange people who make hoards of food and then feed everyone just for the satisfaction of feeding everyone. I've only heard of them though. I don't actually know anyone like that. Nope. Not me. Never known a single one. Ever.
5) I made a pact with myself on Tuesday that I wasn't going to refer to the "treadmill" as the "dreadmill" anymore. I've decided that the word "dread" is conjuring up negative images in my head and possibly training me to think that the treadmill is really something I should dread. I mean, I really dislike running on the treadmill, but I don't want to make it any worse by programming my brain to unequivocally dread the treadmill. Thus, I decided that I needed to come up with a more friendly name for said treadmill. My first instinct was to call it the "friendmill". But, that brought to mind images of rainbows and butterflies. I'm just not a rainbow and butterfly kind of gal. So, from this point forward, the treadmill shall be referred to as "Fred Mill". "It" is now "he", and THAT makes me feel warm and squishy on the inside. Like I have another friend...minus the rainbows and butterflies. It's more like "Hey Fred, wassup? Lets go for a run!" See...I like it already!
6) Tonight, I am going to see The Vagina Monologues with My Gazelle's sister. She is a lovely singer and pianist, training at The Peabody Institute in Baltimore, which is this fancy schmancy division of John's Hopkins where very talented musicians go to study their musician stuff. The focus of her studies is in classical opera. She is approximately 4'11" tall. It amazes me that this little "girl" can sing so BIG! When she spends the night at my house, I awake to the sound of opera singing in my shower (just think about it for a secon...it's a very novel thing). When she sings, it makes me feel happy. When she sings in 5 different languages, it makes me feel shocked. And I'm not sure about The Vagina Monologues, but hey...whatever. I'm a go with the flow kind of chick, ya know?
7) It's hella windy outside today. At approximately 8:30EST, I watched a tree snap in half outside my office window. It made me excited and scared all at the same time. Excited because I've never seen a tree snap in half from the wind...well, not in person, and scared because I wasn't sure if it was coming my way. It wasn't. I'm fine. Don't worry.
8) Yesterday, prior to my little shorty-short run (I heart Wednesdays), I set up my camera. My tripod. Hauled out my coupon trapper keeper. Set aside my 3 Sunday papers from...well...Sunday. All of this work so that I could (RE) film my JL Coupon Tutorial, Part II, which I would have never had to re-film if I had properly read YouTube's terms prior to my first stint with the video camera. I was so ready. Totally prepared. Except for the fact that I am a dummy and I bought the LATE edition of the Sunday paper, which does NOT include coupons. Learn from my mistake. Buy your Sunday paper early. Lest you spend $4.50 of your hard earned money on 3 stupid papers without coupons. The good news? I improvised. I decided to split Part II into two sections. One in which I explain my binder (which I had with me), and one in which I explain the coupon-clipping process (which I didn't have with me). Today, I am going to edit/fix/edit the coupon binder vid and post 'er on YouTube. I'll be so proud of myself when its finally done! Oh. The other good news is that since I decided to split it into 2 sections, I had time to talk at the beginning of the vid, so you get to pick on me. That should be fun for you. I even blessed you with the cheesiest smile that I could muster up. I did it on purpose. Just so that you would smile too. I hope it works.
9) Today, my blood feels thick. I don't know. I can't explain it. It just does. I'm drinking massive quantities of water, hopefully that will unthicken it.
10) I love you.
The end.
Well, for now anyway...stay tuned for the painful detail part in the coming days.
1) I have 2 product reviews coming up (Bondi Band & Truvia), and one in the works. I am so excited.
2) The above "in the works" product review involves YOU too! YOU are going to help ME. Well, one of YOU will help ME. The reason why I need help? Well...I'll post that separately later on today. You're gonna have to stay on your toes to keep up with me today...It's going to be a busy day in Joggerville. Hope your Google reader is prepared for this mess I'm about to create!
3) Sometimes, I wonder if bacon cookies taste good. I think I'm going to try them this weekend. My Gazelle loves bacon, and he loves chocolate chip cookies. So. I'm concluding that he would LUHHHVE bacon chocolate chip cookies. That is the theory. To be continued.
4) Cupcakes are my friend. I made cupcakes on Monday, then brought them to work. Well, first I ate 8 or 10 of them...THEN I brought them to work. Now, I want to try another cupcake recipe, so I will make them this weekend and bring them to work again. Is this some sort of affliction? I've heard of those strange people who make hoards of food and then feed everyone just for the satisfaction of feeding everyone. I've only heard of them though. I don't actually know anyone like that. Nope. Not me. Never known a single one. Ever.
5) I made a pact with myself on Tuesday that I wasn't going to refer to the "treadmill" as the "dreadmill" anymore. I've decided that the word "dread" is conjuring up negative images in my head and possibly training me to think that the treadmill is really something I should dread. I mean, I really dislike running on the treadmill, but I don't want to make it any worse by programming my brain to unequivocally dread the treadmill. Thus, I decided that I needed to come up with a more friendly name for said treadmill. My first instinct was to call it the "friendmill". But, that brought to mind images of rainbows and butterflies. I'm just not a rainbow and butterfly kind of gal. So, from this point forward, the treadmill shall be referred to as "Fred Mill". "It" is now "he", and THAT makes me feel warm and squishy on the inside. Like I have another friend...minus the rainbows and butterflies. It's more like "Hey Fred, wassup? Lets go for a run!" See...I like it already!
6) Tonight, I am going to see The Vagina Monologues with My Gazelle's sister. She is a lovely singer and pianist, training at The Peabody Institute in Baltimore, which is this fancy schmancy division of John's Hopkins where very talented musicians go to study their musician stuff. The focus of her studies is in classical opera. She is approximately 4'11" tall. It amazes me that this little "girl" can sing so BIG! When she spends the night at my house, I awake to the sound of opera singing in my shower (just think about it for a secon...it's a very novel thing). When she sings, it makes me feel happy. When she sings in 5 different languages, it makes me feel shocked. And I'm not sure about The Vagina Monologues, but hey...whatever. I'm a go with the flow kind of chick, ya know?
7) It's hella windy outside today. At approximately 8:30EST, I watched a tree snap in half outside my office window. It made me excited and scared all at the same time. Excited because I've never seen a tree snap in half from the wind...well, not in person, and scared because I wasn't sure if it was coming my way. It wasn't. I'm fine. Don't worry.
8) Yesterday, prior to my little shorty-short run (I heart Wednesdays), I set up my camera. My tripod. Hauled out my coupon trapper keeper. Set aside my 3 Sunday papers from...well...Sunday. All of this work so that I could (RE) film my JL Coupon Tutorial, Part II, which I would have never had to re-film if I had properly read YouTube's terms prior to my first stint with the video camera. I was so ready. Totally prepared. Except for the fact that I am a dummy and I bought the LATE edition of the Sunday paper, which does NOT include coupons. Learn from my mistake. Buy your Sunday paper early. Lest you spend $4.50 of your hard earned money on 3 stupid papers without coupons. The good news? I improvised. I decided to split Part II into two sections. One in which I explain my binder (which I had with me), and one in which I explain the coupon-clipping process (which I didn't have with me). Today, I am going to edit/fix/edit the coupon binder vid and post 'er on YouTube. I'll be so proud of myself when its finally done! Oh. The other good news is that since I decided to split it into 2 sections, I had time to talk at the beginning of the vid, so you get to pick on me. That should be fun for you. I even blessed you with the cheesiest smile that I could muster up. I did it on purpose. Just so that you would smile too. I hope it works.
9) Today, my blood feels thick. I don't know. I can't explain it. It just does. I'm drinking massive quantities of water, hopefully that will unthicken it.
10) I love you.
The end.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Steroids? I Don't Take No Stinking Steriods!
I spent my afternoon this past Saturday here...
One of the most beautiful places on the planet.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (which contains the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery), is one of my favorite places to be, and it is only a short ride on the Metro from my house. I had so much fun wandering around the museum, simultaneously taking pictures with my big girl camera and my iPhoney. I quickly learned, thanks to a very kind and understanding security guard, that only permanent exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum can be photographed. Oops! I said "oh, thank you", quietly tucked my big girl camera under my arm and moved along.
This is one of the first things you see presently when you enter the busiest wing of the museum...
I found it ironic, and actually chuckled at the "New Arrival" designation over the piece of art.
I continued on, moseying along just looking at all of the lovely portraits, photographs, and random artwork that is splattered along the way...
This one was pretty neat. It's a series of license plates that spell out a very important message...It took me far too long to figure out what it was as I stood there. Don't tell anyone.
This is one of my favorites, and I managed to get this picture right before I got busted. I was so afraid that I was going to get kicked out that I forgot to find out who the artist was. Darn.
I just love her face, and her cute little smirk. These are my favorite types of portraits. People, dressed in Victorian clothing, sitting there, because they had nothing better to do than spend 1/2 of their life being painted. It all seems very pompous and bougie to me. But I love it just the same.
I was enjoying my jaunt around the 1st floor, which is filled with paintings of this sort. I felt like I was wandering through a lost world. A beautiful, gold-filled Victorian era with shiny satin dresses, high lace collars, and jewelry featuring photographs of loved ones and pets. I was in heaven.
So. Imagine my surprise, when I crossed the main lobby and stumbled into this androgynous abyss.
Wow. And Wow.
Try to tell me that these chicks aren't on steroids. They look NOTHING like the Victorian beauty above.
One of the most beautiful places on the planet.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (which contains the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery), is one of my favorite places to be, and it is only a short ride on the Metro from my house. I had so much fun wandering around the museum, simultaneously taking pictures with my big girl camera and my iPhoney. I quickly learned, thanks to a very kind and understanding security guard, that only permanent exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum can be photographed. Oops! I said "oh, thank you", quietly tucked my big girl camera under my arm and moved along.
This is one of the first things you see presently when you enter the busiest wing of the museum...
I found it ironic, and actually chuckled at the "New Arrival" designation over the piece of art.
I continued on, moseying along just looking at all of the lovely portraits, photographs, and random artwork that is splattered along the way...
This one was pretty neat. It's a series of license plates that spell out a very important message...It took me far too long to figure out what it was as I stood there. Don't tell anyone.
This is one of my favorites, and I managed to get this picture right before I got busted. I was so afraid that I was going to get kicked out that I forgot to find out who the artist was. Darn.
I just love her face, and her cute little smirk. These are my favorite types of portraits. People, dressed in Victorian clothing, sitting there, because they had nothing better to do than spend 1/2 of their life being painted. It all seems very pompous and bougie to me. But I love it just the same.
I was enjoying my jaunt around the 1st floor, which is filled with paintings of this sort. I felt like I was wandering through a lost world. A beautiful, gold-filled Victorian era with shiny satin dresses, high lace collars, and jewelry featuring photographs of loved ones and pets. I was in heaven.
So. Imagine my surprise, when I crossed the main lobby and stumbled into this androgynous abyss.
Wow. And Wow.
Try to tell me that these chicks aren't on steroids. They look NOTHING like the Victorian beauty above.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
The day you've waited for all week is finally here! A chance to dive into my randomness yet again. Proceed with caution.
1) Yesterday I ordered $50 worth of Keurig K-Cups for our coffee maker at work. On the company's dime, of course. Have I mentioned the fact that I love single-serve coffee? I am pleased to be the primary coffee-orderer at work. This duty was, of course, self-appointed, because I felt like it was the only way that I was going to be able to have things called "Jet Fuel", and "Sumatran Extra Dark" in a land of "Oolong" and "Green Chai Tea" drinkers. Call me high maintenance if you will, but Oolong just doesn't do it for me at 8AM. More Jet Fuel please.
2) Today will be the first time that I have run 3 days in a row in approximately 4 years. I'm scared and excited all at the same time. It makes me want to run around and talk to everyone about my training plan. In fact, I DO try to talk to everyone about my training plan, but the sad truth is that nobody gives a rats ass about my training plan. Only you. That's why I need you. My life is void of fellow runners, and I need you in my life. Don't quit on me. My Gazelle cares, but it's just not the same. We share workout stories, but the man is a freak of nature with his 24:21 5K time, sans training. Sometimes, when he tells me that he just decided to "jump on the treadmill for a few minutes", and that he "ran 2 miles in 16 minutes", it makes me want to kick him in his scrawny calf and run away. But I know he'd catch and tackle me...he's clearly way faster than I am.
3) Although I technically started the Hal Higdon 1/2 training plan last week, I did not follow the schedule exactly due to travel and time conflicts. One of my runs last week was also fragmented due to time constraints, so I split it into 2 separate runs on the same day. I kind of feel like that's cheating. I didn't like that feeling that I had cheated on the plan last week. There's only 87 more training days until the race (Gasp)! This week is my first "real" week of training, because unlike last week, I have been following the plan exactly as outlined. I am not one to whine and complain, but whoa mama are my legs tired today. Not sore, just definitely tired. I am holding out for tonight's run though, and I'll see what gives after I've run the 3.5 miles required. I'm relieved that I've had no knee/leg/calf issues. I'm sort of marveling in the fact that the more I run, the better my leg feels. I was under the impression that this was supposed to happen the other way around.
4) I'm still going strong with the Sexy Six Pack Challenge, and the fact that I switched from the Men's Health Belly Off Plan to the 1984 8-minute Abs Plan still makes me chuckle from time to time. I'm telling you, that sheet is really difficult still though. I still have to stop at times to give my abs a break, and sometimes I go way slower than they do because my flabby flabs just can't keep up with the leotard-feathered hair professionals. So, I mentioned in my previous update that my waist at start was 31.5". Well, I had this old, crusty tape measure that I threw out upon measuring for the first time, with the intention of buying a new one. I bought a new one last weekend while in Tennessee. I measured my waist last night. My waist measured 33". So, there are about 2 weeks left of the challenge, and my waist has grown 1.5". I think this is hilarious because I know that one of the tape measures is obviously wrong, proven by the fact that last night My Gazelle announced (as I pranced through the living room scantily clad), "you just keep getting skinnier and skinnier". I would say that "skinny" is quite a stretch, but you get the gist. I would venture to say that I haven't lost any weight at all (but can't confirm that since I don't own a scale), but my clothes are feeling different...namely my bras and underwear are looser in all the right places. Hey...just keeping it real. More importantly, I know the 8-minute abs exercises are helping because my core is WAYYY stronger than before.
5) I'm still searching for a the right vacation. I was informed last night by My Gazelle that we can't take a vacation until the summer. This made me sad.
7) I am feeling pretty focused this week...but, I am fairly one-track-minded. I haven't got any work done, but I know more than I ever thought I would about plural marriage.
6) Speaking of plural marriage...as evidenced by this post yesterday, I am preoccupied this week with FLDS, the Jessop family, plural marriage, and Carolyn Jessup's book "Escape". I have really spent too much time this week reading about this strange practice. There are so many current things going on with this topic that it has me completely sucked in. Damn Google. Damn you.
1) Yesterday I ordered $50 worth of Keurig K-Cups for our coffee maker at work. On the company's dime, of course. Have I mentioned the fact that I love single-serve coffee? I am pleased to be the primary coffee-orderer at work. This duty was, of course, self-appointed, because I felt like it was the only way that I was going to be able to have things called "Jet Fuel", and "Sumatran Extra Dark" in a land of "Oolong" and "Green Chai Tea" drinkers. Call me high maintenance if you will, but Oolong just doesn't do it for me at 8AM. More Jet Fuel please.
2) Today will be the first time that I have run 3 days in a row in approximately 4 years. I'm scared and excited all at the same time. It makes me want to run around and talk to everyone about my training plan. In fact, I DO try to talk to everyone about my training plan, but the sad truth is that nobody gives a rats ass about my training plan. Only you. That's why I need you. My life is void of fellow runners, and I need you in my life. Don't quit on me. My Gazelle cares, but it's just not the same. We share workout stories, but the man is a freak of nature with his 24:21 5K time, sans training. Sometimes, when he tells me that he just decided to "jump on the treadmill for a few minutes", and that he "ran 2 miles in 16 minutes", it makes me want to kick him in his scrawny calf and run away. But I know he'd catch and tackle me...he's clearly way faster than I am.
3) Although I technically started the Hal Higdon 1/2 training plan last week, I did not follow the schedule exactly due to travel and time conflicts. One of my runs last week was also fragmented due to time constraints, so I split it into 2 separate runs on the same day. I kind of feel like that's cheating. I didn't like that feeling that I had cheated on the plan last week. There's only 87 more training days until the race (Gasp)! This week is my first "real" week of training, because unlike last week, I have been following the plan exactly as outlined. I am not one to whine and complain, but whoa mama are my legs tired today. Not sore, just definitely tired. I am holding out for tonight's run though, and I'll see what gives after I've run the 3.5 miles required. I'm relieved that I've had no knee/leg/calf issues. I'm sort of marveling in the fact that the more I run, the better my leg feels. I was under the impression that this was supposed to happen the other way around.
4) I'm still going strong with the Sexy Six Pack Challenge, and the fact that I switched from the Men's Health Belly Off Plan to the 1984 8-minute Abs Plan still makes me chuckle from time to time. I'm telling you, that sheet is really difficult still though. I still have to stop at times to give my abs a break, and sometimes I go way slower than they do because my flabby flabs just can't keep up with the leotard-feathered hair professionals. So, I mentioned in my previous update that my waist at start was 31.5". Well, I had this old, crusty tape measure that I threw out upon measuring for the first time, with the intention of buying a new one. I bought a new one last weekend while in Tennessee. I measured my waist last night. My waist measured 33". So, there are about 2 weeks left of the challenge, and my waist has grown 1.5". I think this is hilarious because I know that one of the tape measures is obviously wrong, proven by the fact that last night My Gazelle announced (as I pranced through the living room scantily clad), "you just keep getting skinnier and skinnier". I would say that "skinny" is quite a stretch, but you get the gist. I would venture to say that I haven't lost any weight at all (but can't confirm that since I don't own a scale), but my clothes are feeling different...namely my bras and underwear are looser in all the right places. Hey...just keeping it real. More importantly, I know the 8-minute abs exercises are helping because my core is WAYYY stronger than before.
5) I'm still searching for a the right vacation. I was informed last night by My Gazelle that we can't take a vacation until the summer. This made me sad.
7) I am feeling pretty focused this week...but, I am fairly one-track-minded. I haven't got any work done, but I know more than I ever thought I would about plural marriage.
6) Speaking of plural marriage...as evidenced by this post yesterday, I am preoccupied this week with FLDS, the Jessop family, plural marriage, and Carolyn Jessup's book "Escape". I have really spent too much time this week reading about this strange practice. There are so many current things going on with this topic that it has me completely sucked in. Damn Google. Damn you.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
Here we go. Your weekly dose of Thoughtful Thursday. Are you ready? Are you sure?
1) I would like to move to a different state between the months of November through March. Not because I hate the cold, or because I hate the ice or the snow. No, no. It is because I HATE the snow removal people in Maryland. I can say HATE so wholeheartedly because I don't personally know a snow removal person in Maryland. So, I am allowed to use that word. Just this once though. Yesterday, it took me an hour to get to work, which is 7 miles from my home. All because there was one retarded person who decided to ditch his car on the side of 95, thus causing every retarded Maryland driver to slow down to 5MPH so that they can see the retard who drove their car off the side of 95. Just drive, people! Nothing to see here.
In addition, I arrived to work at 8:30, and promptly fell on the thick sheet of ice that resided in the stairwell of the door to enter my office. Banged up my left hand as well as my left ass cheek. Thank goodness for thick ass cheeks to cushion falls of this sort!
2) Why is it that I can have a completely slow week at work all the way up until the very last day before I'm leaving on a 3-day weekend? Then, and only then, does all hell break loose. Satan himself stepped out of the bowels of hell today, handed me a $117K order that needed to be released...like, yesterday, then poked me in my ice-bruised left ass cheek with his red hot pitchfork, and demanded that I align the heavens and the moon and the stars in order to get this demonic order fulfilled before month end. Month end meaning today, since I won't be present tomorrow.
3) Why do people ask me to work for free? Ok, so it's just one person, and its the owner of my company's friend. At one time, I offered to help, and I was paid for that small job. An ample, fair, project-based amount that said "client" decided to pay me. Over time, however, the payments have dwindled, the work has become more arduous, and now I'm just annoyed. And it's just stupid Excel crap. I want to tell said person to just stop being dumb. Last time I was requested by said "client", I took 3 hours out of my work day to go to their site and help out--with the owner of my company's permission. After 3 loooong hours, on my way out the door to come back to my real job, I was offered payment in the form of a salad. A salad?!
A salad??!!
For realz??!!
Now, I am sitting at my real desk with a pile of requests from the parasitic salad payer, and I'm becoming nauseous just looking at it.
4) The physical therapists office is one of the weirdest places on earth. It always reminds me of the old movies where wounded soldiers are lined up on gurneys in a big communal room together. We all lay there, and while we're being treated for various ailments, we share war stories. It makes me feel victorious afterward.
5) I'm leaving for Tennessee today, and I have decided that my JL Coupon Tutorial Part II video is just too cool for Youtube. Otherwise, Youtube wouldn't keep getting so choked up every time I attempt to post it. Right? I am going to have to re-film the dayum thing when I get home on Monday, in order to make it a little shorter. This makes me sad. Because seriously...you know me well enough by now to know how much I love talking. Youtube just doesn't want to hear my mouth I guess.
Sigh...
I will try to post a few quick updates with my iPhoney while I'm visiting "America at Its Best."
Happy jogging to all!
1) I would like to move to a different state between the months of November through March. Not because I hate the cold, or because I hate the ice or the snow. No, no. It is because I HATE the snow removal people in Maryland. I can say HATE so wholeheartedly because I don't personally know a snow removal person in Maryland. So, I am allowed to use that word. Just this once though. Yesterday, it took me an hour to get to work, which is 7 miles from my home. All because there was one retarded person who decided to ditch his car on the side of 95, thus causing every retarded Maryland driver to slow down to 5MPH so that they can see the retard who drove their car off the side of 95. Just drive, people! Nothing to see here.
In addition, I arrived to work at 8:30, and promptly fell on the thick sheet of ice that resided in the stairwell of the door to enter my office. Banged up my left hand as well as my left ass cheek. Thank goodness for thick ass cheeks to cushion falls of this sort!
2) Why is it that I can have a completely slow week at work all the way up until the very last day before I'm leaving on a 3-day weekend? Then, and only then, does all hell break loose. Satan himself stepped out of the bowels of hell today, handed me a $117K order that needed to be released...like, yesterday, then poked me in my ice-bruised left ass cheek with his red hot pitchfork, and demanded that I align the heavens and the moon and the stars in order to get this demonic order fulfilled before month end. Month end meaning today, since I won't be present tomorrow.
3) Why do people ask me to work for free? Ok, so it's just one person, and its the owner of my company's friend. At one time, I offered to help, and I was paid for that small job. An ample, fair, project-based amount that said "client" decided to pay me. Over time, however, the payments have dwindled, the work has become more arduous, and now I'm just annoyed. And it's just stupid Excel crap. I want to tell said person to just stop being dumb. Last time I was requested by said "client", I took 3 hours out of my work day to go to their site and help out--with the owner of my company's permission. After 3 loooong hours, on my way out the door to come back to my real job, I was offered payment in the form of a salad. A salad?!
A salad??!!
For realz??!!
Now, I am sitting at my real desk with a pile of requests from the parasitic salad payer, and I'm becoming nauseous just looking at it.
4) The physical therapists office is one of the weirdest places on earth. It always reminds me of the old movies where wounded soldiers are lined up on gurneys in a big communal room together. We all lay there, and while we're being treated for various ailments, we share war stories. It makes me feel victorious afterward.
5) I'm leaving for Tennessee today, and I have decided that my JL Coupon Tutorial Part II video is just too cool for Youtube. Otherwise, Youtube wouldn't keep getting so choked up every time I attempt to post it. Right? I am going to have to re-film the dayum thing when I get home on Monday, in order to make it a little shorter. This makes me sad. Because seriously...you know me well enough by now to know how much I love talking. Youtube just doesn't want to hear my mouth I guess.
Sigh...
I will try to post a few quick updates with my iPhoney while I'm visiting "America at Its Best."
Happy jogging to all!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
Ever had one of those days when you can't stop "the thoughts"?
One of those days where you wake up startled because you were just dreaming about how your black dog is actually a black rat, and your grayish/brownish dog is actually a grayish/brownish mouse, but you don't care. You pet them and kiss both of them on the nose anyway. You love them, even though they are scurrying around a box filled with potatoes.
Oh. You haven't?
Me neither.
I can't guarantee that there will be any specific 'theme' to this post. I don't promise a plot, or a direction, or even a satisfying ending.
What I'm trying to say is that my brain is full of thoughts today. I don't know if it was spurred by the rat and mouse dream, but I have been trapped by thoughts since I woke up.
For instance #1:
In the shower, I was "writing" an illustrated children's book in my head. I must admit that this is something that I've always wanted to do (writing a children's book), but I've never quite considered doing this (writing a children's book) whilst washing my hair and shaving my hairy legs. It was an interesting concept.
For instance #2:
I've spent a good portion of my day pondering a little tidbit that Junk Miles (wow...2 days in a row...good one) brought to my attention. Deborah and Dexter got married? I am upset about this whole concept. I don't watch much TV. Not only do I live in a house in which the TV worth watching is ruled by a sports junkie, but I also don't find a lot of enjoyment in TV programs of today. My idea of 'fun' TV is inclusive of all home improvement shows on TLC, and the Showtime trifecta. Dexter, Weeds, Californication. The end.
Considering that I don't watch much TV, it makes it much easier for me to maintain my insanely juvenile theory that the TV shows I watch are real. I know, I know. It's not real. But to me, it's real. Thus, Deborah marrying Dexter is just wrong. I don't approve, and I feel like the producers should have taken an audience poll before allowing the marriage to take place. Selfish? Yes, very.
For instance #3:
I spent a good portion of my morning today sitting in a room filled with people who were at the courthouse getting hitched. No, I wasn't getting hitched. I was picking up my new Notary Public commission. I couldn't figure out why my Notary process would be in the same room as the "lets get hitched" process. Who organized this mess? I couldn't figure out why I had to wait on a wooden bench with a bunch of people who were getting married at the courthouse. I just wanted to get to work. The process took entirely too long, all because of the people getting hitched.
For instance #4:
I wore heels today. I have worn (wore?) heels 3 times this week. I haven't wore (worn?) heels 3 times in one week for approximately 2 years. Today, on the day when I wore heels for the third time this week, I also had to walk 3 blocks from my car to the courthouse, then from the courthouse to the administration building (to the wedding chapel). Today, I didn't bring a pair of back-up flats as I normally would so proactively do. Today, I have two blisters. One on each one of my baby toes. It's OK though, they compliment the huge soup-can-induced bruise on the top of my foot just fine.
For instance #5:
Why do people eat beef jerky?
For instance #6:
I want to live here. It's an Earthship. You can put it anywhere. The couple who used to run the yoga studio where I took an African Dance class (which is a story in itself) closed down their studio last month due to economic conditions. Apparently, nobody was going to yoga or getting massages. I still think that it was a location problem, but it doesn't matter. They didn't consult me before they set up shop. But they should have. Anyway, they closed the studio and decided to move to New Mexico to learn how to build Earthships. It all seemed like a very Earthy, hippy sort of thing to do. Months later, I remain jealous that I am mentally unable to be so "go with the flow-y". I often want to sell all of my worldly possessions and move far away. I'm just a chicken.
For instance #7:
Why can't I blog (or some other completely enjoyable and equally-satisfying thing) for a living?
One of those days where you wake up startled because you were just dreaming about how your black dog is actually a black rat, and your grayish/brownish dog is actually a grayish/brownish mouse, but you don't care. You pet them and kiss both of them on the nose anyway. You love them, even though they are scurrying around a box filled with potatoes.
Oh. You haven't?
Me neither.
I can't guarantee that there will be any specific 'theme' to this post. I don't promise a plot, or a direction, or even a satisfying ending.
What I'm trying to say is that my brain is full of thoughts today. I don't know if it was spurred by the rat and mouse dream, but I have been trapped by thoughts since I woke up.
For instance #1:
In the shower, I was "writing" an illustrated children's book in my head. I must admit that this is something that I've always wanted to do (writing a children's book), but I've never quite considered doing this (writing a children's book) whilst washing my hair and shaving my hairy legs. It was an interesting concept.
For instance #2:
I've spent a good portion of my day pondering a little tidbit that Junk Miles (wow...2 days in a row...good one) brought to my attention. Deborah and Dexter got married? I am upset about this whole concept. I don't watch much TV. Not only do I live in a house in which the TV worth watching is ruled by a sports junkie, but I also don't find a lot of enjoyment in TV programs of today. My idea of 'fun' TV is inclusive of all home improvement shows on TLC, and the Showtime trifecta. Dexter, Weeds, Californication. The end.
Considering that I don't watch much TV, it makes it much easier for me to maintain my insanely juvenile theory that the TV shows I watch are real. I know, I know. It's not real. But to me, it's real. Thus, Deborah marrying Dexter is just wrong. I don't approve, and I feel like the producers should have taken an audience poll before allowing the marriage to take place. Selfish? Yes, very.
For instance #3:
I spent a good portion of my morning today sitting in a room filled with people who were at the courthouse getting hitched. No, I wasn't getting hitched. I was picking up my new Notary Public commission. I couldn't figure out why my Notary process would be in the same room as the "lets get hitched" process. Who organized this mess? I couldn't figure out why I had to wait on a wooden bench with a bunch of people who were getting married at the courthouse. I just wanted to get to work. The process took entirely too long, all because of the people getting hitched.
For instance #4:
I wore heels today. I have worn (wore?) heels 3 times this week. I haven't wore (worn?) heels 3 times in one week for approximately 2 years. Today, on the day when I wore heels for the third time this week, I also had to walk 3 blocks from my car to the courthouse, then from the courthouse to the administration building (to the wedding chapel). Today, I didn't bring a pair of back-up flats as I normally would so proactively do. Today, I have two blisters. One on each one of my baby toes. It's OK though, they compliment the huge soup-can-induced bruise on the top of my foot just fine.
For instance #5:
Why do people eat beef jerky?
For instance #6:
I want to live here. It's an Earthship. You can put it anywhere. The couple who used to run the yoga studio where I took an African Dance class (which is a story in itself) closed down their studio last month due to economic conditions. Apparently, nobody was going to yoga or getting massages. I still think that it was a location problem, but it doesn't matter. They didn't consult me before they set up shop. But they should have. Anyway, they closed the studio and decided to move to New Mexico to learn how to build Earthships. It all seemed like a very Earthy, hippy sort of thing to do. Months later, I remain jealous that I am mentally unable to be so "go with the flow-y". I often want to sell all of my worldly possessions and move far away. I'm just a chicken.
For instance #7:
Why can't I blog (or some other completely enjoyable and equally-satisfying thing) for a living?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tough Decisions
I'm going to preface this post by just letting you know that I'm sulking right now. You can stop reading if you're not in the mood to watch me sulk.
Today, I'm remembering the note that my orchestra teacher wrote for me, right next to our group photo in my senior year book.
"To one of the best students that I've ever been blessed to teach. You are as tenacious as a bulldog. Don't ever lose that quality, it will take you where you want to go in life."
I remember it by heart because it meant something to me. I also remember it by heart because I read it aloud to myself at least 348,409 times. Then I read it to myself, silently, in my head, another 28,012 times. It meant something because she recognized a fight in me that I had never even seen in myself.
This has also come to light a few times through votes of confidence from my Momma. When I am really draggin' ass and feeling like marine snow (thank you, Junk Miles), I always know that I can call Momma, and she'll pick me back up. I've realized over the years that these conversations always include 3 key phrases: "you are not a quitter!", "you have the world by the ass!" (yes, these are Momma's words), and "everything's gonna be just fine".
Who knew that those 3 mantras could pick me back up and change my entire world around? She might drag me back down a week later because I sent her birthday card out a day late, but she is very effective at making a sad Jogger laugh again when necessary.
Tonight, I'm not calling my Momma.
Tonight, I'm channeling Momma's words from 400 miles away, in lieu of an actual conversation. Because I'm blogging. And I am tenacious. As a bulldog.
Tonight, I'm taking responsibility for the fact that I have not had my head in the game in regards to appropriating the study time necessary to sit for (and pass) my CPA exam.
I've sat for 2 sections.
I've failed 2 sections.
After the 2nd "you fail, you big fat loser" notice that I received, I took a study hiatus. I baked. I blogged. I organized things and cleaned. I went out often and drank too much alcohol. Basically, for 2 months, I pretended to be a person who had not already signed up for 2 more CPA exam sections. A person who had not already paid $500 for said exam sections. Instead of taking the bull by the horns (another Momma Jogger-ism), I retreated. Sabotaged. Wussed out!
Tonight, faced with the harsh reality that section #3 (Regulation), was scheduled for January 24th, I thought about propelling myself to the frozen Earth via my office window. Instead, I decided to cancel said exam (paying another $35 to cancel, naturally), and I have decided that I will take it when I am better prepared. Many months from now. Many, many.
This decision was made because I have yet another section of the exam scheduled for February 28th. The thought of being unprepared for the test on 1/24, and also not having enough time to study for the 2/28 exam was too much for me to cope with. I nixed the 1/24 exam so that I would have enough time to study and pass the 2/28 exam. I need to pass one of these things on the first try, no?
Although my pocketbook is significantly damaged at this point (fail 2 + cancel 1 = ohhh...$800), I feel relieved to know that I will now have 5 weeks to study for and pass the Business section. I just need to pass one. It will give me the confidence I need to keep moving.
Sort of like my reaffirmed commitment to races and race training. That, too, requires a lot of time and devotion.
Forward momentum.
Purposefulness.
Tenacity.
Today, I'm remembering the note that my orchestra teacher wrote for me, right next to our group photo in my senior year book.
"To one of the best students that I've ever been blessed to teach. You are as tenacious as a bulldog. Don't ever lose that quality, it will take you where you want to go in life."
I remember it by heart because it meant something to me. I also remember it by heart because I read it aloud to myself at least 348,409 times. Then I read it to myself, silently, in my head, another 28,012 times. It meant something because she recognized a fight in me that I had never even seen in myself.
This has also come to light a few times through votes of confidence from my Momma. When I am really draggin' ass and feeling like marine snow (thank you, Junk Miles), I always know that I can call Momma, and she'll pick me back up. I've realized over the years that these conversations always include 3 key phrases: "you are not a quitter!", "you have the world by the ass!" (yes, these are Momma's words), and "everything's gonna be just fine".
Who knew that those 3 mantras could pick me back up and change my entire world around? She might drag me back down a week later because I sent her birthday card out a day late, but she is very effective at making a sad Jogger laugh again when necessary.
Tonight, I'm not calling my Momma.
Tonight, I'm channeling Momma's words from 400 miles away, in lieu of an actual conversation. Because I'm blogging. And I am tenacious. As a bulldog.
Tonight, I'm taking responsibility for the fact that I have not had my head in the game in regards to appropriating the study time necessary to sit for (and pass) my CPA exam.
I've sat for 2 sections.
I've failed 2 sections.
After the 2nd "you fail, you big fat loser" notice that I received, I took a study hiatus. I baked. I blogged. I organized things and cleaned. I went out often and drank too much alcohol. Basically, for 2 months, I pretended to be a person who had not already signed up for 2 more CPA exam sections. A person who had not already paid $500 for said exam sections. Instead of taking the bull by the horns (another Momma Jogger-ism), I retreated. Sabotaged. Wussed out!
Tonight, faced with the harsh reality that section #3 (Regulation), was scheduled for January 24th, I thought about propelling myself to the frozen Earth via my office window. Instead, I decided to cancel said exam (paying another $35 to cancel, naturally), and I have decided that I will take it when I am better prepared. Many months from now. Many, many.
This decision was made because I have yet another section of the exam scheduled for February 28th. The thought of being unprepared for the test on 1/24, and also not having enough time to study for the 2/28 exam was too much for me to cope with. I nixed the 1/24 exam so that I would have enough time to study and pass the 2/28 exam. I need to pass one of these things on the first try, no?
Although my pocketbook is significantly damaged at this point (fail 2 + cancel 1 = ohhh...$800), I feel relieved to know that I will now have 5 weeks to study for and pass the Business section. I just need to pass one. It will give me the confidence I need to keep moving.
Sort of like my reaffirmed commitment to races and race training. That, too, requires a lot of time and devotion.
Forward momentum.
Purposefulness.
Tenacity.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Leases...
I'm happy to report two new leases in my life.
1) My rental condo. I absolutely had my panties in a bunch over the fact that the current tenant in my rental condo was moving out on January 15. There was no backup plan. Nobody moving in. Nobody to pay my mortgage for me. No corporate body to wheel their little rolly suitcase into my condo and set up shop for a few months.
This had me chewing my fingernails and crying helplessly at night in the dark. I like not paying my mortgage. I like being able to put said mortgage money towards the $4,928,375,483 in collective credit card debt that My Gazelle and I have. I like the idea that I might soon make a significant enough dent in said debt within the next year that a fairly sensible mortgage agent might actually lend us enough fundage so that we can have a real house. With a real yard. And a real driveway. And our own entrance. What a treat!
So, after being on Craig's List for...oh...5,986 years, someone finally emailed me to see the condo. Since I rent the condo out fully furnished for short-term corporate leases, its pretty much a lock that as soon as the person looks at the condo, they'll rent it out. It's fully furnished, fully renovated, and beautiful. Sometimes I wish that we could somehow magically transform My Gazelle's condo into my condo, and live in my condo...but have it geographically located where My Gazelle's condo is.
So...this is why I feel that way...
Needless to say, I was pretty confident that the guy would rent it as soon as he took a look. When our first appointment fell through (his fault), I got nervous. We rescheduled, but I wasn't putting much stock in our rescheduled appointment. Just as I was ready to curl up in a ball and start sucking my thumb, I received this email:
"Hello Jogger (ok...he didn't call me this, but I like it better),
I saw your place on craiglist last week coming available in mid-
January. I'm looking to do another short term lease and wanted to
check if you've found a renter yet. Let me know if the unit is still
available.
Your Awesome First Tenant"
WOOOOOOOO!!!
I cannot explain how happy I was to hear from Awesome First Tenant. I wrote his new 4-month lease yesterday, and he moves in exactly 4 days after the current tenant moves out. He's also asked me for the option to renew for another 3 months. This, my friends, is a HUGE relief. HUGE.
2) Monday also brought me a new lease. Corny as it might be, Monday was the day when I drafted a new lease on my jogging (running?) life. As I ran, in the dark, bundled up in the 30 degree weather, dragging a terrified 30lb dog behind me, I could not stop thinking about how much joy I was feeling. I was happy to be outside, happy to be sweating, happy to be relatively pain-free, happy to be exercising with my boy, despite the fact that he was acting more like a bowling ball shackled to my waist than a running buddy on this particular trip.
I came home from my jog feeling rejuvenated, happy, and ready to tackle my next jaunt. I truly could have gone farther than the 3 miles I did, if it weren't for the fact that Psykko was completely wiggin out at that point, and I didn't want to torture him any more. I felt all of this, despite the fact that it took me 36 minutes to travel 3 miles.
I figured this wasn't a bad pace, all things considered. Next time you run, strap a 30 pound dead weight to your waist. Then let it stop to sniff things occasionally, and allow it to pee on a few hydrants along the way. Let me know how it goes.
Happy jogging!
1) My rental condo. I absolutely had my panties in a bunch over the fact that the current tenant in my rental condo was moving out on January 15. There was no backup plan. Nobody moving in. Nobody to pay my mortgage for me. No corporate body to wheel their little rolly suitcase into my condo and set up shop for a few months.
This had me chewing my fingernails and crying helplessly at night in the dark. I like not paying my mortgage. I like being able to put said mortgage money towards the $4,928,375,483 in collective credit card debt that My Gazelle and I have. I like the idea that I might soon make a significant enough dent in said debt within the next year that a fairly sensible mortgage agent might actually lend us enough fundage so that we can have a real house. With a real yard. And a real driveway. And our own entrance. What a treat!
So, after being on Craig's List for...oh...5,986 years, someone finally emailed me to see the condo. Since I rent the condo out fully furnished for short-term corporate leases, its pretty much a lock that as soon as the person looks at the condo, they'll rent it out. It's fully furnished, fully renovated, and beautiful. Sometimes I wish that we could somehow magically transform My Gazelle's condo into my condo, and live in my condo...but have it geographically located where My Gazelle's condo is.
So...this is why I feel that way...
Needless to say, I was pretty confident that the guy would rent it as soon as he took a look. When our first appointment fell through (his fault), I got nervous. We rescheduled, but I wasn't putting much stock in our rescheduled appointment. Just as I was ready to curl up in a ball and start sucking my thumb, I received this email:
"Hello Jogger (ok...he didn't call me this, but I like it better),
I saw your place on craiglist last week coming available in mid-
January. I'm looking to do another short term lease and wanted to
check if you've found a renter yet. Let me know if the unit is still
available.
Your Awesome First Tenant"
WOOOOOOOO!!!
I cannot explain how happy I was to hear from Awesome First Tenant. I wrote his new 4-month lease yesterday, and he moves in exactly 4 days after the current tenant moves out. He's also asked me for the option to renew for another 3 months. This, my friends, is a HUGE relief. HUGE.
2) Monday also brought me a new lease. Corny as it might be, Monday was the day when I drafted a new lease on my jogging (running?) life. As I ran, in the dark, bundled up in the 30 degree weather, dragging a terrified 30lb dog behind me, I could not stop thinking about how much joy I was feeling. I was happy to be outside, happy to be sweating, happy to be relatively pain-free, happy to be exercising with my boy, despite the fact that he was acting more like a bowling ball shackled to my waist than a running buddy on this particular trip.
I came home from my jog feeling rejuvenated, happy, and ready to tackle my next jaunt. I truly could have gone farther than the 3 miles I did, if it weren't for the fact that Psykko was completely wiggin out at that point, and I didn't want to torture him any more. I felt all of this, despite the fact that it took me 36 minutes to travel 3 miles.
I figured this wasn't a bad pace, all things considered. Next time you run, strap a 30 pound dead weight to your waist. Then let it stop to sniff things occasionally, and allow it to pee on a few hydrants along the way. Let me know how it goes.
Happy jogging!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
To Cut or Not to Cut: The Verdict
I LOVE ITTTTTT!!!!
So the pictures are very nerdy and "self-takenish", but since when do I really care about being nerdy...
Before (taken moments before everything was chopped off):
After (taken moments after I jumped for joy and nearly shed a tear):
So the pictures are very nerdy and "self-takenish", but since when do I really care about being nerdy...
Before (taken moments before everything was chopped off):
After (taken moments after I jumped for joy and nearly shed a tear):
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Tribe Has Spoken
So, My Gazelle and I have been discussing my hair for about 3 months now. I mean, we talk about other things...but I've done a lot of talking about my hair.
It's curly. I straighten it. It's fluffy. I weigh it down. I'm sick of it. I've battled curly hair my entire life, and have come to terms with the fact that my life will always include a hot air brush and a flat iron. I'm ok with that.
What I'm not ok with is the size of my ginormous head. My head is abnormally large. I attribute it to additional brains in my cranium, but that's probably just my way of making myself feel better about the fact that the circumference of my head rivals that of an adult gorilla.
This is only exacerbated by the fact that I haven't had a haircut in...oh...4 months. And prior to my last haircut, I was "trying to let it grow out" for some strange reason. This means that the last hair cut I had might have taken off about 1/2" or less. Big deal.
Ginormous head + frizzy, grown-out haircut = self-esteem disaster.
A girl just needs a fabulous haircut.
Technology is a lovely thing. I just visited www.taaz.com, and they let me upload my very own picture for free, then stick their haircuts on top of my virtual head. So, with much ado, I've decided to chop it off and get a neat, cute, shorter haircut.
This one. But ignore the puff of my own hair that is sticking up in the back since I was too lazy to properly pull my frizzy mess back like the instructions told me to. I don't really follow instructions very well. Clearly.
So, anyway...as I was saying...THIS one.
It makes my head look smaller, no?
It's curly. I straighten it. It's fluffy. I weigh it down. I'm sick of it. I've battled curly hair my entire life, and have come to terms with the fact that my life will always include a hot air brush and a flat iron. I'm ok with that.
What I'm not ok with is the size of my ginormous head. My head is abnormally large. I attribute it to additional brains in my cranium, but that's probably just my way of making myself feel better about the fact that the circumference of my head rivals that of an adult gorilla.
This is only exacerbated by the fact that I haven't had a haircut in...oh...4 months. And prior to my last haircut, I was "trying to let it grow out" for some strange reason. This means that the last hair cut I had might have taken off about 1/2" or less. Big deal.
Ginormous head + frizzy, grown-out haircut = self-esteem disaster.
A girl just needs a fabulous haircut.
Technology is a lovely thing. I just visited www.taaz.com, and they let me upload my very own picture for free, then stick their haircuts on top of my virtual head. So, with much ado, I've decided to chop it off and get a neat, cute, shorter haircut.
This one. But ignore the puff of my own hair that is sticking up in the back since I was too lazy to properly pull my frizzy mess back like the instructions told me to. I don't really follow instructions very well. Clearly.
So, anyway...as I was saying...THIS one.
It makes my head look smaller, no?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Holiday Music
I'm streaming holiday music on my computer. Don't tell my network administrator. He'll be mad if he knows that I'm tying up our network with "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas". Little does he know, but this act of network espionage is the only thing that is keeping me sane at the moment. For some reason, this extra infusion of holiday cheer is the only thing that has kept me from plummeting of the edge of the Insanity Cliff this morning.
I woke up in the rankest mood. I laid in bed until 6:40, which isn't all that abnormal for me. I have to be to work at 8AM, and my commute is only 15 minutes, so I try to stay in bed for as long as possible because...well...I'm basically just lazy. So this morning I stayed in bed until 6:40, got up, brushed my teeth and got semi-ready. Then I laid back down until 7:20. I was not feeling the whole "getting out of bed and going to work" thing. I also wasn't feeling the "let the dogs out", or the "be happy and have a good day" things. Mondays are not usually this difficult for me. Tuesdays...now that's another story.
My weekend was filled with sporadic, unhealthy meals, including about 3 glasses of wine on Friday night at my work Christmas party. Despite my best-laid plan, I did not run over the weekend. The Gazelle and I spent most of the afternoon and evening Christmas shopping on Saturday. Despite being able to check a few of my loved ones off of the Christmas list, when I woke up on Sunday, I didn't feel that normal sense of accomplishment.
I almost never feel this way. I'm not really sure what has me in a funk, but I'm hoping that it lifts soon. Maybe the Christmas music will help.
Does anyone else feel funky during the holidays?
I woke up in the rankest mood. I laid in bed until 6:40, which isn't all that abnormal for me. I have to be to work at 8AM, and my commute is only 15 minutes, so I try to stay in bed for as long as possible because...well...I'm basically just lazy. So this morning I stayed in bed until 6:40, got up, brushed my teeth and got semi-ready. Then I laid back down until 7:20. I was not feeling the whole "getting out of bed and going to work" thing. I also wasn't feeling the "let the dogs out", or the "be happy and have a good day" things. Mondays are not usually this difficult for me. Tuesdays...now that's another story.
My weekend was filled with sporadic, unhealthy meals, including about 3 glasses of wine on Friday night at my work Christmas party. Despite my best-laid plan, I did not run over the weekend. The Gazelle and I spent most of the afternoon and evening Christmas shopping on Saturday. Despite being able to check a few of my loved ones off of the Christmas list, when I woke up on Sunday, I didn't feel that normal sense of accomplishment.
I almost never feel this way. I'm not really sure what has me in a funk, but I'm hoping that it lifts soon. Maybe the Christmas music will help.
Does anyone else feel funky during the holidays?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Well, Since You Asked...
I just got a new camera. Did I mention that yet? I think I might have mentioned it once or twice.
I purchased this camera solely (maybe not solely, but definitely firstly) on the suggestion of The Pioneer Woman, who is basically the coolest new person in my universe at the moment. Because of her, I have been learning about everything from cattle herding to trips to the Dominican Republic to new babies...and photography! She is kind of like me. Jack of all (ok...many in my case) trades, but a master of none.
In any case, Pioneer Woman (PW) has giveaways all the time on her website, and she was giving away a camera not too long ago. She happened to be speaking directly to my squishy soul at the time because I was so sick of my Olympus Model #FE-CRIPPITY-CRAP-220 that I was just dreading the idea of taking pictures in the future. And I LOVE pictures, people...so this is bad, real bad. When I got home from vacation and saw how yucky our pix looked, I knew it was officially time for a new model.
I checked out the cNet review on the camera, and it was a done deal. Well, it was basically a done deal after The Pioneer Woman loved it enough to give it away to her readers. I trust her. She's family.
So, with the proceeds of the eBay sale of 2 pair of designer sunglasses (which were just collecting dust on my dresser and getting in the way, since they were too fragile and expensive, and I'm really clumsy), I bought a shiny new Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. Out with the old, in with the new.
So, this is what my shiny new camera looks like:
Bulky, you say? Yep, bulkier than my Olympus FE-CC220, but totally way better. It might be heavier than my Wal-Mart Olympus, but seriously...is that not a small sacrifice for this:
Just wait until I amaze you with all of my amazing pictures.
I purchased this camera solely (maybe not solely, but definitely firstly) on the suggestion of The Pioneer Woman, who is basically the coolest new person in my universe at the moment. Because of her, I have been learning about everything from cattle herding to trips to the Dominican Republic to new babies...and photography! She is kind of like me. Jack of all (ok...many in my case) trades, but a master of none.
In any case, Pioneer Woman (PW) has giveaways all the time on her website, and she was giving away a camera not too long ago. She happened to be speaking directly to my squishy soul at the time because I was so sick of my Olympus Model #FE-CRIPPITY-CRAP-220 that I was just dreading the idea of taking pictures in the future. And I LOVE pictures, people...so this is bad, real bad. When I got home from vacation and saw how yucky our pix looked, I knew it was officially time for a new model.
I checked out the cNet review on the camera, and it was a done deal. Well, it was basically a done deal after The Pioneer Woman loved it enough to give it away to her readers. I trust her. She's family.
So, with the proceeds of the eBay sale of 2 pair of designer sunglasses (which were just collecting dust on my dresser and getting in the way, since they were too fragile and expensive, and I'm really clumsy), I bought a shiny new Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. Out with the old, in with the new.
So, this is what my shiny new camera looks like:
Bulky, you say? Yep, bulkier than my Olympus FE-CC220, but totally way better. It might be heavier than my Wal-Mart Olympus, but seriously...is that not a small sacrifice for this:
Just wait until I amaze you with all of my amazing pictures.
Right NOW? Do I have to?!
So, I am absolutely, positively, not in the mood to go to the gym in 10 minutes and run 3 miles. I say 3 miles because I'm aiming high. I refuse to accept 2 miles as a descent lunchtime run anymore.
I would much rather sit at my desk, in my warm office, with my MacBook, and play with my new camera. And edit the pictures of Nikko that I took last night in PhotoShop.
1) I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA!!!!! I'm officially marking it on my list of "Jogger's Top 5 Most Coolest Purchases Ever." NOT on that list? The ceiling fan that I purchased on Tuesday night. I'll talk about that another time. When I'm not so emotionally scarred.
2) Don't you just want to squeeze his little puppy dog cheeks?!
That is...until he starts to snarl and bark and nip at your hands just because he's never met you, and he thinks you're trying to steal any bit of attention from him! He's kind of fickle like that.
But I love him.
And...I'm going to the gym. Ughhh...
I would much rather sit at my desk, in my warm office, with my MacBook, and play with my new camera. And edit the pictures of Nikko that I took last night in PhotoShop.
1) I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA!!!!! I'm officially marking it on my list of "Jogger's Top 5 Most Coolest Purchases Ever." NOT on that list? The ceiling fan that I purchased on Tuesday night. I'll talk about that another time. When I'm not so emotionally scarred.
2) Don't you just want to squeeze his little puppy dog cheeks?!
That is...until he starts to snarl and bark and nip at your hands just because he's never met you, and he thinks you're trying to steal any bit of attention from him! He's kind of fickle like that.
But I love him.
And...I'm going to the gym. Ughhh...
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What I'm Reading Right Now
I have read this article like 4 times now, and I love it more each time. Amen, Sista.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Please Be Careful
So, I kid a lot.
I'm sure you've noticed.
This is serious though. I was floating through the Runners World discussion forum today, where I periodically hang out, and I came across this post. In a nutshell, the chick was out running super early yesterday morning, on her normal route, and a van stopped on the side of the road and turned his lights off. She backtracked on her route (and cut it short, dammit!), then noticed that the same van drove by again.
Luckily, that's where the story ends.
However, this story actually stuck with me because I'm concerned about all things concerning female safety. The Gazelle is a cop, and although I was paranoid prior to meeting him, I am about 936 times worse now.
I have always been the type to constantly be plotting escape routes in case a masked, knife-wielding, fire-breathing psychopath should happen to break into my house when I'm taking a shower and try to maim me. Somehow, these escape plans always seem to begin with me in the shower, apparently because that is when I feel most vulnerable.
...the thought of having to fight off an attacker with shampoo in my hair is just incomprehensible. It makes me shudder.
Anyway...plotting my attack in order to ensure safety has become second nature. However, I started thinking about this lady's situation, and I am really not sure how I would handle it. Chances are, if I'm running outdoors here in the DC/Metro area, other cars are just going to whiz by as I am kidnapped (or worse) by my attacker. In case you are joining me from outside of a metro area, let me just mention that commuters don't care about jack while on their way to work. Absolute tunnel vision. Robotic. Unconcerned.
Please, be cautious while running ladies (and gentleman). Here are are some basic things you can do in order to stay a little safer on your runs...
Stay Safe While Running
I'm sure you've noticed.
This is serious though. I was floating through the Runners World discussion forum today, where I periodically hang out, and I came across this post. In a nutshell, the chick was out running super early yesterday morning, on her normal route, and a van stopped on the side of the road and turned his lights off. She backtracked on her route (and cut it short, dammit!), then noticed that the same van drove by again.
Luckily, that's where the story ends.
However, this story actually stuck with me because I'm concerned about all things concerning female safety. The Gazelle is a cop, and although I was paranoid prior to meeting him, I am about 936 times worse now.
I have always been the type to constantly be plotting escape routes in case a masked, knife-wielding, fire-breathing psychopath should happen to break into my house when I'm taking a shower and try to maim me. Somehow, these escape plans always seem to begin with me in the shower, apparently because that is when I feel most vulnerable.
...the thought of having to fight off an attacker with shampoo in my hair is just incomprehensible. It makes me shudder.
Anyway...plotting my attack in order to ensure safety has become second nature. However, I started thinking about this lady's situation, and I am really not sure how I would handle it. Chances are, if I'm running outdoors here in the DC/Metro area, other cars are just going to whiz by as I am kidnapped (or worse) by my attacker. In case you are joining me from outside of a metro area, let me just mention that commuters don't care about jack while on their way to work. Absolute tunnel vision. Robotic. Unconcerned.
Please, be cautious while running ladies (and gentleman). Here are are some basic things you can do in order to stay a little safer on your runs...
Stay Safe While Running
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
