Ah, the "gown". Did I mention I'm going to a ball tomorrow night?? I did forget to tell you that it is a Mardi Gras Ball in Mobile, AL. So that is the reason/ purpose of the ball.
This "gown" is a dark plum, one shoulder, clingy thing. (Apparently I was having a good body image day when I purchased it. That or I just wanted to get the hell out of the mall.) The "clingy" part is what ended tripping me up. Note - it's clingy - not tight. BIG difference.
I got it home and decided I need one of those body shapers. I needed the one that looks like a unisuit (like we wear in rowing) without the bra and top straps. In other words, a uni that came up to the bottom of my boobs. Got a picture of it in your head? Attractive, isn't it??
The hubby and I were at the mall and I went to Macy's since that was the closest department store to where we parked. (See my shopping rationale? I didn't choose it because of the brands it carried or some other important characteristic.) I figured a shaper is a shaper, right??
WRONG!
I bought one, for $40, brought it home and tried it on with my dress. It didn't pull in my new stomach pudge and it actually wrinkled around that area too. (as it the "keep it up" material wasn't strong enough to actually keep it up.) Not to mention that it was IMPOSSIBLE to get on it the first place. I should have heeded the sales woman's warning - most people who buy these hate them and decided they aren't worth it and return them.
Now I understand. Trying to get into this ridiculous thing required one to be a contortionist- trapeze artist. And I'm not. Once in it you could still see seems and all the parts and pieces I was originally trying to hide in the first place.
Start body-hating temper tantrum... now.
I flung it off, cussing all the way. Swearing off all undergarments. I had even tried it on with a thin fabric, no seem thong and you could STILL see it's outline through the clingy fabric!!
COMMANDO IT IS! F-it if they can see my celluli-y butt through it. That's better than what thing looks like!
After sleeping on it a day or so I realized I should try at least one more brand to see if that's the problem. (Really I was just having second thoughts about the butt cellulite...) So I returned the one I purchased - which turned out to be made by Miraclesuit - and went to Lord & Taylor since they carry the Spanx brand.
First I almost backed out just because of the price. It was TWICE as expensive as the last one. Hell, I got my dress for just a smidge over $100!! I also got my wedding gown for only $199. It was my second choice but it was on clearance. I digress...
So I made the purchase and brought it home and tried it on with my dress.
lo and behold - it WORKED!
This one sets flush against my skin and doesn't wrinkle up anywhere. There are no seems. This one has a gusseted crotch so I can actually go the bathroom during the Ball ('cuz there was no way the other one was coming down once I got it on in the first place.) AND it has straps you can strategically place to help hold it up!
I was sold. I really hope to never have to wear it again - just on principle - but at least now I have one that really does SHAPE!! How 'bout that!
So - next time you're in need of a shaper my advice is to just bite the bullet and spend the money on Spanx. Don't waste your time with Miraclesucks. I mean, Miraclesuit.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
RED
I was playing around with Revlon's version of "won't come off, even with a good scrub" lipstick today. I had purchased this pretty deep red color. It came out with more blue untones than the brown I was hoping for... but nonetheless, I'm not used to wear dark lipstick. I took one look at myself and immediately thought:
"Her lips were so red they looked like a possums butt in pokeberry season!
As Wandering Girl Would Say...
Holy Shitballs, Batman!!
McMom (aka Outnumbered) sent me the most HA-LAR-IOUS video EVER!! You gotta watch this.
I actually saw it for the first time just last week on the Daily Show. When I commented about it's "suggestiveness" the hubby replied, "You haven't seen that before??? Jon has it on his show all the time!"
Well, McMom sent me the original infomercial for it. It's a definite must-see.
Although McMom did make me laugh out loud I have to admit that this particular piece of exercise equipment will not do anything for my saddlebags.
I can only imagine what that equipment would look like...
McMom (aka Outnumbered) sent me the most HA-LAR-IOUS video EVER!! You gotta watch this.
I actually saw it for the first time just last week on the Daily Show. When I commented about it's "suggestiveness" the hubby replied, "You haven't seen that before??? Jon has it on his show all the time!"
Well, McMom sent me the original infomercial for it. It's a definite must-see.
Although McMom did make me laugh out loud I have to admit that this particular piece of exercise equipment will not do anything for my saddlebags.
I can only imagine what that equipment would look like...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Soapbox - Beware
As much as I'd like to deny it, I'll admit it. Like all (N. American) women I have body issues. And I say all NA women because our culture teaches us to have issues. I know, I know. There are some women out there who claim "I love myself just the way I am".
They're lying.
Maybe they just have a little birthmark somewhere they wish were not quite as dark as it is. Although not pining for a rhinoplasty or a boob job, it's still something they think about. So yes, there are definitely different degrees/ levels of body happiness. And I think the level can easily fluctuate for one person throughout the day. You know what I mean. You think you're having a chubby day but then you change outfits and all of a sudden you don't feel so fat anymore.
I've have always been, and still am, a big proponent of being "healthy" as opposed to "thin". Because "thin" does not equal healthy, as we all know. I saw this quote just now as I was skimming through my favorite running info website:
"get fit. get healthy. the thin will come."
My first reaction was "that's great!" Because generally speaking, healthy people are lean. But then the more I thought about it I realized I don't think it's true. Because I'm the perfect example right now of how that's NOT true.
Stay with me here 'cuz I'm going to roll a few topics all in to one.
Y'all know I trained for and just ran my first half marathon. There were two reasons I did this. 1) incentive to do cardio during the abysmally blah winters here and 2) drop a few pounds.
Long story kinda shorter - I ran this HM at the exact same weight as when I started training. I know what you're going to say -"but you gained muscle".
Bullshit.
This reminds me, haven't I already bitched about this recently?? Anyway - I've been an athlete long enough to be able to tell when my body is changing due to activity or just being a stubborn old bitch. And it's being a bitch, no doubt.
Am I "fit"? I would think running a half marathon in 3 hours or better constitutes "fit". It may not be "fast", but it sure as hell qualifies for "fit".
Am I "healthy"? Sure! I'm no longer anemic. My cholesterol has lowered. My doctor has been able to take me off my migraine meds. My thyroid is normal. I can't really think of anything that isn't "healthy". (cholesterol is still high but a lot lower than before and I haven't been on meds for a few years now.)
Am I "thin"? This is tricky, of course. "Thin" is subjective. I actually prefer "trim". As in not loads of fat hanging around in places it doesn't belong. Will I get back the washboard abs and legs I had in college? It would be nice but I doubt it. And that's ok. I thought training for a half marathon would surely shed a few pounds. Maybe not 25. But a few. Or at least the number on scale might stay the same but I'd fit into my clothes better. That was my definition of "thin for me".
Kids, it ain't happenin'...
And of course this is all hitting home just as I prepare to go to a ball. When I say ball, I mean men in tuxes and women required to wear floor length gowns.
Pick yourself up off the floor. You did read that correctly. I'm going to a ball where I am required to wear, not only a dress, but a floor length one! And I'm going to the ball willingly. There is no force involved here. (which I'm sure those of you that know me can't believe I'd put on a GOWN without a gun to my head. except maybe for my own wedding...) not only that but I'm NOT wearing running shoes with it either.
On one hand I'm very excited to go to the ball. We were invited to go by the hubby's BFF from college and his wife. The ball itself is in Mobile, AL. However, my excitement dissipated the moment I had to find a dress. This is not surprising given my love *snort*snort* of clothes shopping. KVeg and I set out one Friday night to the "big" mall in town to find what I needed.
It's a mall. I was under the impression that the purpose of a mall was a "one stop shop" for all your clothing and accessory needs. I hit Macy's. Nuthin'. Lord & Taylor, eh, a few possibilities.
Did I mention that I refused to spend a lot of $$?? C'mon. This is a dress I'm pretty sure I'll only wear once...
I got a dress at L&T. There were more dress shops out of the mall but that would require returning on Saturday and more shopping and more trying on of clothes.
Nope. This one will do just fine thank you.
But it required a strapless bra. Which I do not own.
So off to do my second most hated shopping - BRAS! We went straight to VS. I swore if they didn't have what I needed I was going bra less. Because nothing is worth going through this hassle. Luckily they had what I needed. Rather something that would suffice.
The mall was about to close so the shoes and any other extras would have to wait.
Did I mention the dress is clingy?? Yep. And my frickin' saddlebags were ALL OVER the place. Also, I apparently have developed a tummy. Saddlebags I've had since college. I hate them but I've grown used to them. I've always had a flat stomach so this kinda kicked me in the head. Maybe for you it's not a flat stomach. Maybe it was when you discovered your shapely arms grew chicken skin. Maybe it was when your curvy boobies wouldn't stay put in your brassiere anymore. We have different issues but I'm hoping you can relate.
This, my friends, is when the "meltdown" occurred. And I'm sure it had to do with the timing of when I just ran my first HM. How is it possible that I just ran 13.1 miles (and the training required to it) and am finding my body in worse shape??
And the hubby - trying his darnedest to be supportive - "Honey we'll start running together." accidentally made it worse.
"WHAT the F%*K?!?! I HAVE been running you moron!! And NOTHING HAPPENED!! How in the F&#K will running with you make me lose weight when I haven't already?!?! "
(when I get really angry I'm the queen-o-F-bombs...)
Ok, before you report me to the authorities for verbally abusing my husband, I did not say that out loud to him. But that's what I was thinking. At least I don't think I said it out loud.... I can only recall a blinding red haze and a blaring siren noise going off in my head at the time...
So I did what most women do - I went upstairs and pouted. For TWO days.
The story isn't quite over yet but I'm sure you're tired of reading at this point. So I'll leave the rest of the story for another day. Don't miss the next installment titled:
Why Spanx-brand Really is Worth the Money and MiracleSuit-brand Can Kiss My Ass.
They're lying.
Maybe they just have a little birthmark somewhere they wish were not quite as dark as it is. Although not pining for a rhinoplasty or a boob job, it's still something they think about. So yes, there are definitely different degrees/ levels of body happiness. And I think the level can easily fluctuate for one person throughout the day. You know what I mean. You think you're having a chubby day but then you change outfits and all of a sudden you don't feel so fat anymore.
I've have always been, and still am, a big proponent of being "healthy" as opposed to "thin". Because "thin" does not equal healthy, as we all know. I saw this quote just now as I was skimming through my favorite running info website:
"get fit. get healthy. the thin will come."
My first reaction was "that's great!" Because generally speaking, healthy people are lean. But then the more I thought about it I realized I don't think it's true. Because I'm the perfect example right now of how that's NOT true.
Stay with me here 'cuz I'm going to roll a few topics all in to one.
Y'all know I trained for and just ran my first half marathon. There were two reasons I did this. 1) incentive to do cardio during the abysmally blah winters here and 2) drop a few pounds.
Long story kinda shorter - I ran this HM at the exact same weight as when I started training. I know what you're going to say -"but you gained muscle".
Bullshit.
This reminds me, haven't I already bitched about this recently?? Anyway - I've been an athlete long enough to be able to tell when my body is changing due to activity or just being a stubborn old bitch. And it's being a bitch, no doubt.
Am I "fit"? I would think running a half marathon in 3 hours or better constitutes "fit". It may not be "fast", but it sure as hell qualifies for "fit".
Am I "healthy"? Sure! I'm no longer anemic. My cholesterol has lowered. My doctor has been able to take me off my migraine meds. My thyroid is normal. I can't really think of anything that isn't "healthy". (cholesterol is still high but a lot lower than before and I haven't been on meds for a few years now.)
Am I "thin"? This is tricky, of course. "Thin" is subjective. I actually prefer "trim". As in not loads of fat hanging around in places it doesn't belong. Will I get back the washboard abs and legs I had in college? It would be nice but I doubt it. And that's ok. I thought training for a half marathon would surely shed a few pounds. Maybe not 25. But a few. Or at least the number on scale might stay the same but I'd fit into my clothes better. That was my definition of "thin for me".
Kids, it ain't happenin'...
And of course this is all hitting home just as I prepare to go to a ball. When I say ball, I mean men in tuxes and women required to wear floor length gowns.
Pick yourself up off the floor. You did read that correctly. I'm going to a ball where I am required to wear, not only a dress, but a floor length one! And I'm going to the ball willingly. There is no force involved here. (which I'm sure those of you that know me can't believe I'd put on a GOWN without a gun to my head. except maybe for my own wedding...) not only that but I'm NOT wearing running shoes with it either.
On one hand I'm very excited to go to the ball. We were invited to go by the hubby's BFF from college and his wife. The ball itself is in Mobile, AL. However, my excitement dissipated the moment I had to find a dress. This is not surprising given my love *snort*snort* of clothes shopping. KVeg and I set out one Friday night to the "big" mall in town to find what I needed.
It's a mall. I was under the impression that the purpose of a mall was a "one stop shop" for all your clothing and accessory needs. I hit Macy's. Nuthin'. Lord & Taylor, eh, a few possibilities.
Did I mention that I refused to spend a lot of $$?? C'mon. This is a dress I'm pretty sure I'll only wear once...
I got a dress at L&T. There were more dress shops out of the mall but that would require returning on Saturday and more shopping and more trying on of clothes.
Nope. This one will do just fine thank you.
But it required a strapless bra. Which I do not own.
So off to do my second most hated shopping - BRAS! We went straight to VS. I swore if they didn't have what I needed I was going bra less. Because nothing is worth going through this hassle. Luckily they had what I needed. Rather something that would suffice.
The mall was about to close so the shoes and any other extras would have to wait.
Did I mention the dress is clingy?? Yep. And my frickin' saddlebags were ALL OVER the place. Also, I apparently have developed a tummy. Saddlebags I've had since college. I hate them but I've grown used to them. I've always had a flat stomach so this kinda kicked me in the head. Maybe for you it's not a flat stomach. Maybe it was when you discovered your shapely arms grew chicken skin. Maybe it was when your curvy boobies wouldn't stay put in your brassiere anymore. We have different issues but I'm hoping you can relate.
This, my friends, is when the "meltdown" occurred. And I'm sure it had to do with the timing of when I just ran my first HM. How is it possible that I just ran 13.1 miles (and the training required to it) and am finding my body in worse shape??
And the hubby - trying his darnedest to be supportive - "Honey we'll start running together." accidentally made it worse.
"WHAT the F%*K?!?! I HAVE been running you moron!! And NOTHING HAPPENED!! How in the F&#K will running with you make me lose weight when I haven't already?!?! "
(when I get really angry I'm the queen-o-F-bombs...)
Ok, before you report me to the authorities for verbally abusing my husband, I did not say that out loud to him. But that's what I was thinking. At least I don't think I said it out loud.... I can only recall a blinding red haze and a blaring siren noise going off in my head at the time...
So I did what most women do - I went upstairs and pouted. For TWO days.
The story isn't quite over yet but I'm sure you're tired of reading at this point. So I'll leave the rest of the story for another day. Don't miss the next installment titled:
Why Spanx-brand Really is Worth the Money and MiracleSuit-brand Can Kiss My Ass.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Change of heart
My original intent for this post was to whine and complain about the dress "experience" I'm having with my upcoming ball. (I will blog later on the ball, at least to explain what it is)
However I always read my friends' blogs before I write in mine. I went to Outnumbered and read her post on this. It's about Haiti and her church's efforts in disaster relief. It's a really good read. I encourage everyone to read it. But it also made me realize that no one cares about my body-image issues, especially in light of a tragedy such as what happened in Haiti.
So thanks to Outnumbered for inadvertently steering me back to the right path - of realizing what is truly important. And to make me realize how fortunate and lucky I really am.
So everyone go to Outnumbered blog. If anything, to thank her from keeping me from blogging about my saddlebags...
However I always read my friends' blogs before I write in mine. I went to Outnumbered and read her post on this. It's about Haiti and her church's efforts in disaster relief. It's a really good read. I encourage everyone to read it. But it also made me realize that no one cares about my body-image issues, especially in light of a tragedy such as what happened in Haiti.
So thanks to Outnumbered for inadvertently steering me back to the right path - of realizing what is truly important. And to make me realize how fortunate and lucky I really am.
So everyone go to Outnumbered blog. If anything, to thank her from keeping me from blogging about my saddlebags...
Friday, January 22, 2010
Their name was WHAT?!?!?
My Aunt "Martha" sent me a book she wrote about her experiences growing up. I say "book" because it is quite lengthy, including photos, poems she's written over the years and even copies of hand written letters to her from various relatives. However, it is not a "book" in the sense that I do not believe she is looking to actually get it published and distributed. She made several copies, had them bound and everything, to share with her sisters and their children. But that was her only intent, I believe.
She sent one to my mother but at Thanksgiving we all agreed that unless she sent me my own copy I'd probably never get a chance to read it. (All my other cousins read their mom's copy). She recently sent it to me and I read it all in one night. (which might account for my status updates on FB pertaining to the fact that I'm tired!! I haven't gotten much sleep this week.)
It is truly a fabulous account of her childhood!! My grandma and grandpa had 5 girls. "Martha" was the third born of the five. In order from oldest to youngest: Patsy, Maxine, "Martha", My mom, and "Newlywed". (Martha and Newlywed were the two that visited back in October.)
AM warned me that there wasn't much about my mom in the book because she and NW were born later. So the memories are mostly of her and her two older sisters. However I found it quite captivating!! They grew up in rural WV, off the "hard road". (= their house was on a dirt road, not far off the paved road) She talks of all the neighbors, their children, her playmates, grandparents, etc... It's amazing how much she remembers!!!
As I was reading it I realized that I needed a paper and pencil because I was interested in trying to outline a family tree. (Just for the fact I was getting confused. She mentions so many relations that I couldn't keep track of who was part of our family,and in what order, and other family trees of neighbors she was reciting.)
That got me to remember!! A few years ago I started an account on ancestry.com. So I pulled out the book and went to my account to add information or verify info I already had in there. It's amazing!! I find this so interesting! As most of you know, my family is essentially all from WV and OH. So far I've gone back to the mid - late 1700's on my dad's side. I'm in the 1800's on my mom's side. And I still have more "hints" to explore.
It's not uncommon, now and when I first started the account, to call my dad in the middle of the day and ask him questions about his side of the family to make sure I'm adding the correct relatives. If you've never explored it before I highly recommend it!
I'm thinking that my aunt's book provides about as much info as I'm going to be able to get off that side of the family. But that's ok because I know that info is accurate and I can go from there. My dad said he had a family bible he was going to send me so I can compare the info I found on the site to the "actual" record. Also, my dad's side of the family publishes a book (I don't know how often. I'd guess the most recent one we have is 20 years old) on their genealogy. It goes back to Ireland to the 800's!!! He's going to send me that too.
Working on your genealogy is quite a puzzle!! I find it fascinating! I'm not exactly sure why, but I've had a lot more interest in my past relatives of late. Plus I think that starting to capture the info now will make it easier to future generations. Back in the day people didn't move around too much. That's one reason it's so easy for me to find as much info as I have. But of course nowadays that's not the case - and with it the information gets lost.
Now I'm very aware of some "interesting" names in my family. But I have uncovered many more:
- Wyomia Tennessee (that's my grandma)
- Chauncey
- Bertha
- Granville
- Beulah
- Zilpha
- Luverna
- Lecretia "Creech"
- Dela
- Mavis
- Melva
- Enoch
- Philander
I mean, there are plenty of Rebecca's, Susannah's, Mary's, Henry's, William's and all. But my eye really caught the ones above. "Philander"??? Did his parents assume that he would eventually become a philanderer??? I didn't realize "Enoch" was even a biblical name until I looked it up! (I think it sounds like eunuch....)
So there are MANY interesting things to find on that site!!
NOTE: I believe a lot of the information on ancestry.com comes from the Mormon records, yearly census records, draft cards from WWI and WWII. There are some marriage certificates also. But then again, I would assume that all the info is actually held in the Mormon records....
She sent one to my mother but at Thanksgiving we all agreed that unless she sent me my own copy I'd probably never get a chance to read it. (All my other cousins read their mom's copy). She recently sent it to me and I read it all in one night. (which might account for my status updates on FB pertaining to the fact that I'm tired!! I haven't gotten much sleep this week.)
It is truly a fabulous account of her childhood!! My grandma and grandpa had 5 girls. "Martha" was the third born of the five. In order from oldest to youngest: Patsy, Maxine, "Martha", My mom, and "Newlywed". (Martha and Newlywed were the two that visited back in October.)
AM warned me that there wasn't much about my mom in the book because she and NW were born later. So the memories are mostly of her and her two older sisters. However I found it quite captivating!! They grew up in rural WV, off the "hard road". (= their house was on a dirt road, not far off the paved road) She talks of all the neighbors, their children, her playmates, grandparents, etc... It's amazing how much she remembers!!!
As I was reading it I realized that I needed a paper and pencil because I was interested in trying to outline a family tree. (Just for the fact I was getting confused. She mentions so many relations that I couldn't keep track of who was part of our family,and in what order, and other family trees of neighbors she was reciting.)
That got me to remember!! A few years ago I started an account on ancestry.com. So I pulled out the book and went to my account to add information or verify info I already had in there. It's amazing!! I find this so interesting! As most of you know, my family is essentially all from WV and OH. So far I've gone back to the mid - late 1700's on my dad's side. I'm in the 1800's on my mom's side. And I still have more "hints" to explore.
It's not uncommon, now and when I first started the account, to call my dad in the middle of the day and ask him questions about his side of the family to make sure I'm adding the correct relatives. If you've never explored it before I highly recommend it!
I'm thinking that my aunt's book provides about as much info as I'm going to be able to get off that side of the family. But that's ok because I know that info is accurate and I can go from there. My dad said he had a family bible he was going to send me so I can compare the info I found on the site to the "actual" record. Also, my dad's side of the family publishes a book (I don't know how often. I'd guess the most recent one we have is 20 years old) on their genealogy. It goes back to Ireland to the 800's!!! He's going to send me that too.
Working on your genealogy is quite a puzzle!! I find it fascinating! I'm not exactly sure why, but I've had a lot more interest in my past relatives of late. Plus I think that starting to capture the info now will make it easier to future generations. Back in the day people didn't move around too much. That's one reason it's so easy for me to find as much info as I have. But of course nowadays that's not the case - and with it the information gets lost.
Now I'm very aware of some "interesting" names in my family. But I have uncovered many more:
- Wyomia Tennessee (that's my grandma)
- Chauncey
- Bertha
- Granville
- Beulah
- Zilpha
- Luverna
- Lecretia "Creech"
- Dela
- Mavis
- Melva
- Enoch
- Philander
I mean, there are plenty of Rebecca's, Susannah's, Mary's, Henry's, William's and all. But my eye really caught the ones above. "Philander"??? Did his parents assume that he would eventually become a philanderer??? I didn't realize "Enoch" was even a biblical name until I looked it up! (I think it sounds like eunuch....)
So there are MANY interesting things to find on that site!!
NOTE: I believe a lot of the information on ancestry.com comes from the Mormon records, yearly census records, draft cards from WWI and WWII. There are some marriage certificates also. But then again, I would assume that all the info is actually held in the Mormon records....
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Pet names
Do you have a pet name for your SO? Mine's not so interesting. It's just "honey" or "hon". I may through in a "sweetheart" when I want something done around the house. I've thought about starting to use a new one but I think it would be weird since I kinda already have one "assigned" to him.
I had to laugh to myself today because I think the hubby has a "regular" one for me and a "fun one" too. Actually, I can't recall the regular one!! But I know his pet name for our lab!! (figures..) But his fun name for me is "sweet tits". I think this is HILARIOUS!! Of course, he doesn't call me that in public. that's good for many reasons! One - because I would bust out laughing. And I'm not exactly sure where he came up with that 'cuz it's not like I have big knockers or anything.
So there you go Sweet T. I hate to admit it, but that was my nickname before it was yours ; )
I had to laugh to myself today because I think the hubby has a "regular" one for me and a "fun one" too. Actually, I can't recall the regular one!! But I know his pet name for our lab!! (figures..) But his fun name for me is "sweet tits". I think this is HILARIOUS!! Of course, he doesn't call me that in public. that's good for many reasons! One - because I would bust out laughing. And I'm not exactly sure where he came up with that 'cuz it's not like I have big knockers or anything.
So there you go Sweet T. I hate to admit it, but that was my nickname before it was yours ; )
That's what friends are for...
I have some great friends!! First of all, Tri-Girl didn't hesitate when I asked her back in the summer to run this half marathon with me. Of course, she's done a marathon and this was her 7th or 8th half... but still. It required plane tickets and vacation days. I'm very grateful that she met me out there. Otherwise I wouldn't know what I have would have done out there by myself.
We had a great time. We shared a hotel room and all I'll say there was a lot of laughing. As in "Oh My God! That smells awful!!" I don't know how, but we share the same flatulence talent. Lord help the people in the room next door... (Yeah, no dainty girls here, for sure!)
While out there I got in touch with my friend who moved out to Phoenix about 2 years ago. She also happens to be a Brand New Bride!! So BNB and her hubby met up with us on Saturday and took us to Cooperstown. (I think that was the name of it.) It was a restaurant by Alice Cooper! It was all hard rock and sports. While catching up I sarcastically mentioned "If you're not doing anything tomorrow morning you could always come out at watch the race." I think watching running is about as exciting as watching rowing. or golf. As in - it isn't.
Sure enough, I was on mile 3 (TG and I had separated in the pack) I heard "GO JULIE!!!"
Huh? Wha?? I look around and there's BNB and her hubby with their dog standing in parking lot cheering me on!! Can I just tell you how great that was!! It totally kept me pumped up for the next few miles! And then, towards the end of the race, when I wanted to pull over and stomp my feet in a tantrum (and give the finger to the race coordinator) I thought of them coming out (EARLY) on a Sunday morning and cheering me on. Really - it helped me finish the race! Thanks guys!!!
TG also got me a great b-day gift (which I'll share once it arrives...) and she took me out for dinner after the race. It was great! I just wish I'd had more in me to go out afterwards. As it was, we came back from the race, showered and promptly fell into bed for a good 'ol nap!! We woke up about 4:30 and at 5 we were at the restaurant! We chatted through dinner with a marathoner who was by himself. And then we went back to the room and essentially put our jammies back on. I think I was asleep by 8! (But we did have really early planes to catch the next morning...)
So thanks to all of you guys that emailed me encouraging words while I was training. But a special thanks to TG for going with me and to BNB and hubby for their support!!
We had a great time. We shared a hotel room and all I'll say there was a lot of laughing. As in "Oh My God! That smells awful!!" I don't know how, but we share the same flatulence talent. Lord help the people in the room next door... (Yeah, no dainty girls here, for sure!)
While out there I got in touch with my friend who moved out to Phoenix about 2 years ago. She also happens to be a Brand New Bride!! So BNB and her hubby met up with us on Saturday and took us to Cooperstown. (I think that was the name of it.) It was a restaurant by Alice Cooper! It was all hard rock and sports. While catching up I sarcastically mentioned "If you're not doing anything tomorrow morning you could always come out at watch the race." I think watching running is about as exciting as watching rowing. or golf. As in - it isn't.
Sure enough, I was on mile 3 (TG and I had separated in the pack) I heard "GO JULIE!!!"
Huh? Wha?? I look around and there's BNB and her hubby with their dog standing in parking lot cheering me on!! Can I just tell you how great that was!! It totally kept me pumped up for the next few miles! And then, towards the end of the race, when I wanted to pull over and stomp my feet in a tantrum (and give the finger to the race coordinator) I thought of them coming out (EARLY) on a Sunday morning and cheering me on. Really - it helped me finish the race! Thanks guys!!!
TG also got me a great b-day gift (which I'll share once it arrives...) and she took me out for dinner after the race. It was great! I just wish I'd had more in me to go out afterwards. As it was, we came back from the race, showered and promptly fell into bed for a good 'ol nap!! We woke up about 4:30 and at 5 we were at the restaurant! We chatted through dinner with a marathoner who was by himself. And then we went back to the room and essentially put our jammies back on. I think I was asleep by 8! (But we did have really early planes to catch the next morning...)
So thanks to all of you guys that emailed me encouraging words while I was training. But a special thanks to TG for going with me and to BNB and hubby for their support!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Heard on a plane...
Rather, while boarding a plane. From SYR to ATL. There was a hold up with people boarding in front of me. I was standing at the door of plane waiting for traffic to move. Behind me I heard two southern gentlemen having a (rather loud) conversation:
SG1: Bomb-ba-deer! Well look at that! Our plane is made by Bomb-ba-deer! I do believe my boat is made by Bomb-ba-deer!
SG2: Huh, well how 'bout that! I didn't know Bomb-ba-deer made planes!
SG1: I'm sure of it. My boat is from Bomb-ba-deer. Or is it my engine?? Wait.. Bomb-ba-deer....
I swear they were almost yelling this conversation. Just loud talkers I suppose...
Well, the reason they were having this conversation was because they saw the manufacturer "Bombardier" on the side of the plane. Now, I'm no big city girl, but I've been flying enough to know that it's "bomb-bard-ey-ay". Not "bomb-ba-deer"...
So every time they said it I couldn't help but giggle a little bit. I finally turned to the attendant at the door and whispered "Can you hear them?" (I mean, really - who couldn't??) She finally cracked a smile and said "yes. You wouldn't believe what we hear sometimes!!!"
Oh, I can only imagine!!!
SG1: Bomb-ba-deer! Well look at that! Our plane is made by Bomb-ba-deer! I do believe my boat is made by Bomb-ba-deer!
SG2: Huh, well how 'bout that! I didn't know Bomb-ba-deer made planes!
SG1: I'm sure of it. My boat is from Bomb-ba-deer. Or is it my engine?? Wait.. Bomb-ba-deer....
I swear they were almost yelling this conversation. Just loud talkers I suppose...
Well, the reason they were having this conversation was because they saw the manufacturer "Bombardier" on the side of the plane. Now, I'm no big city girl, but I've been flying enough to know that it's "bomb-bard-ey-ay". Not "bomb-ba-deer"...
So every time they said it I couldn't help but giggle a little bit. I finally turned to the attendant at the door and whispered "Can you hear them?" (I mean, really - who couldn't??) She finally cracked a smile and said "yes. You wouldn't believe what we hear sometimes!!!"
Oh, I can only imagine!!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
I'm alive!!
I made it! I completed the half marathon, within the time limit - before they forced people off the course. So I call that a winner!
Today and yesterday (especially) I was convinced instead of running 13.1 miles someone chased me 13.1 miles and then proceeded to beat me with a baseball bat. However, Tri-Girl insisted that's not exactly what happened. And I should believe her because she's the veteran of these races.
I will post more on the weekend. Right now I want to unpack and sleep. And hopefully I'll wake up in time to go to work tomorrow ('cuz I didn't ask for tomorrow off, so if I don't show up they might get worried...)
Today and yesterday (especially) I was convinced instead of running 13.1 miles someone chased me 13.1 miles and then proceeded to beat me with a baseball bat. However, Tri-Girl insisted that's not exactly what happened. And I should believe her because she's the veteran of these races.
I will post more on the weekend. Right now I want to unpack and sleep. And hopefully I'll wake up in time to go to work tomorrow ('cuz I didn't ask for tomorrow off, so if I don't show up they might get worried...)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Whew!!
I got an email back from the Fabulously Hawt Bod today. Luckily FHB thought it was funny and even made a joke out of it. And he wasn't offended. Whew!!
And it's all even funnier if you have actual excerpts from the email....
me: Where was that hot bod hiding in that little trumpet player?!?!?!?
FHB: He was waiting to come out! No pun intended... ha, ha.
Love it!!
Note to self - please self edit prior to sending out emails... just in case others aren't as forgiving as FHB...
And it's all even funnier if you have actual excerpts from the email....
me: Where was that hot bod hiding in that little trumpet player?!?!?!?
FHB: He was waiting to come out! No pun intended... ha, ha.
Love it!!
Note to self - please self edit prior to sending out emails... just in case others aren't as forgiving as FHB...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
FB experiment
There is a guy I went to high school on FB. Back in the day he was a little scrawny thing. Trumpet player, actually. He was a nice guy, quiet.
Well I've seen him on FB now and then since I've been part of the FB world. He's changed. He's got the body of a greek god - no lie. And he's gay. (so no, I don't feel bad/guilty or any such thing by writing this in the event my husband reads it.)
It's been quite obvious from the get go of his sexual orientation. And I guess because of that I feel "safe"at ogling his pictures. (Apparently he hangs with a big group of the most built gay guys I have EVER seen. And they ALWAYS have their shirts off!!) It's just a little harmless eye candy, in my opinion.
Well, I thought Mr. Trumpet would get a kick out of a compliment. So I finally just dropped him a note (we are friends on FB, after all..) and commented on his rockin' bod in all these pictures. Now remember - I'm a spaz now and obviously always have been. So I'm sure (hoping) that he laughed at it. But since I just sent it I haven't yet got a response.
So here's hopin' I didn't offend him and hope he loves the compliment!
Or totally creep him out....
Well I've seen him on FB now and then since I've been part of the FB world. He's changed. He's got the body of a greek god - no lie. And he's gay. (so no, I don't feel bad/guilty or any such thing by writing this in the event my husband reads it.)
It's been quite obvious from the get go of his sexual orientation. And I guess because of that I feel "safe"at ogling his pictures. (Apparently he hangs with a big group of the most built gay guys I have EVER seen. And they ALWAYS have their shirts off!!) It's just a little harmless eye candy, in my opinion.
Well, I thought Mr. Trumpet would get a kick out of a compliment. So I finally just dropped him a note (we are friends on FB, after all..) and commented on his rockin' bod in all these pictures. Now remember - I'm a spaz now and obviously always have been. So I'm sure (hoping) that he laughed at it. But since I just sent it I haven't yet got a response.
So here's hopin' I didn't offend him and hope he loves the compliment!
Or totally creep him out....
Thursday, January 07, 2010
WTF?!?!
I've been having really interesting, vivid dreams lately. This morning I woke up giggling... OUT LOUD! Apparently the hubby sleeps like a rock.
And as I lay there I tried to remember my dream right then so I might have a chance at recalling it later. It was a doozey!
All I can remember -but of course I have a feeling there was much more to it than this ,but this is all I can recall - is it was me, eyeheartorange and about 4 or 5 other gals. First we went on a "tour" of Hershey's. But it more like touring a big 'ol Crakcer Barrel-type place. All folksy and crafty and such. I do not recall seeing any chocolate whatsoever. But I do remember just us being taken into R&D where they were developing drinks. They had us taste test many sodas and something really new for them - GIN! As in "gin & tonic"!! And no, it wasn't chocolate flavored. Maybe that was in the development queue...
Needless to say we all freely sampled the gin.
The only other thing I can remember is all us girls back at my house. Although, it did not resemble my "real" house whatsoever. It was much cooler - as in layout and style. I seem to remember that EHO helped me decorate it. She's got some kickin' style! (that's a "real" statement. As in: in real life she's got great style!) And I was explaining to the other girls that EHO "is very autistic! Oops!! I mean ARTISTIC!" Clearly alcohol had been involved.
So looking back and trying to analyze this dream I have concluded it is telling me to:
- hurry up and finish decorating the house
- cut back on the gin & tonics!!
- and to visit Hershey, PA?????
And as I lay there I tried to remember my dream right then so I might have a chance at recalling it later. It was a doozey!
All I can remember -but of course I have a feeling there was much more to it than this ,but this is all I can recall - is it was me, eyeheartorange and about 4 or 5 other gals. First we went on a "tour" of Hershey's. But it more like touring a big 'ol Crakcer Barrel-type place. All folksy and crafty and such. I do not recall seeing any chocolate whatsoever. But I do remember just us being taken into R&D where they were developing drinks. They had us taste test many sodas and something really new for them - GIN! As in "gin & tonic"!! And no, it wasn't chocolate flavored. Maybe that was in the development queue...
Needless to say we all freely sampled the gin.
The only other thing I can remember is all us girls back at my house. Although, it did not resemble my "real" house whatsoever. It was much cooler - as in layout and style. I seem to remember that EHO helped me decorate it. She's got some kickin' style! (that's a "real" statement. As in: in real life she's got great style!) And I was explaining to the other girls that EHO "is very autistic! Oops!! I mean ARTISTIC!" Clearly alcohol had been involved.
So looking back and trying to analyze this dream I have concluded it is telling me to:
- hurry up and finish decorating the house
- cut back on the gin & tonics!!
- and to visit Hershey, PA?????
Monday, January 04, 2010
Damn FB
Have you heard of the game "Farkle"?? It's an addicting dice game that I picked up at Target for $5. And last night the hubby pointed out that I can play it on FB.
Damn him!!
But in case you're wondering, so far my high score (playing by myself) is 8100.
Damn him!!
But in case you're wondering, so far my high score (playing by myself) is 8100.
7th Grade all over again
Since none of you that read my blog knew me in 7th grade I should explain. In 7th grade a classmate of mine, who had a sister that was a senior, introduced me to trashy romance novels. And when I say trashy I'm essentially talkin' porn in print. And because I was already a voracious reader, by the time I got to these I wouldn't leave my room in order to read. (NOT for the reason you're thinking. I wasn't a pre-teen boy for goodness sake!!)
Actually around that time I was reading just about anything I could get my hands on. So it wasn't all trash. But it got so bad that I would come home and go straight to my room and read. Remember, I had a little brother about 1 or 2 so I was really just escaping all the craziness associated with raising a toddler...
Most parents would be ecstatic if their kid did this. Nope. Mom was pissed that she had to call me a few times to get me to come to dinner. She complained that she never saw me. It was so bad she actually GROUNDED me from my ROOM! I could only sleep there. Obviously she couldn't ground me from reading so that was the best she could do. It didn't help. I'd just sit on the sofa and read instead. It actually made me an even better reader. It taught me to read while there was toddler destruction and other loud noises in the background.
I should clarify that at this time in my life I had not even had my first kiss. As a matter of fact, it was still a few years away. What can I say? I was a late bloomer. I won't go long here but let's just say that my first kiss and all other firsts after that pretty much sucked (no pun intended) compared to what I'd already been reading about for years. Yes, I admit it. The trashy novels ruined the experience for me.
I usually wouldn't admit to reading such filth. So over the years I sneak and read a few in the confines of my house. I would NEVER be caught in public with such a paperback!! It was bad enough reading the Twilight series in public on a business trip...
So, for my covert reading pleasure the hubby got me a Nook for Christmas. If you're not familiar it's Barnes & Noble's eReader. Similar to Amazon's Kindle but with more features. This way I can read anything I want with no one around me being the wiser. I can read all the trashy crap I want in the middle of the airport and I don't have to worry about being judged. I love it!!
Although I'm not sure, in retrospect, that the hubby thinks his gift was such a wise decision. I did help with all the renovating we did over the holidays but every other waking minute was devoted to reading on my Nook. And it also gives new meaning to "nookie", much to my hubby's chagrin.
But I've stumbled on a problem with it. Or with B&N, I'm not yet sure. I downloaded some free short stories. Ok, I'll admit it. They're trashy romance short stories. I ready the first one, 15 pages. I got to page 14 and when I hit page forward it automatically took me back to my master book list, NOT PAGE 15!!!
HELLO!! How am I supposed to figure out the ending??
Another one gets you through the copyright pages, etc and then when you should be at the first page of the story it sends you back to the book list.
The hubby thinks this is funny. Somehow he's convinced that B&N knows I've already read my lifelong limit of smut and is cutting me off.
But isn't this part of the allure of having such a device?? I can read whatever, whenever without any worry?? They shouldn't be censoring what I'm reading!!
Of course I'm sure it's a tech glitch that must be worked out. But I find it interesting that I have had no such problems with Pride & Prejudice and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Actually around that time I was reading just about anything I could get my hands on. So it wasn't all trash. But it got so bad that I would come home and go straight to my room and read. Remember, I had a little brother about 1 or 2 so I was really just escaping all the craziness associated with raising a toddler...
Most parents would be ecstatic if their kid did this. Nope. Mom was pissed that she had to call me a few times to get me to come to dinner. She complained that she never saw me. It was so bad she actually GROUNDED me from my ROOM! I could only sleep there. Obviously she couldn't ground me from reading so that was the best she could do. It didn't help. I'd just sit on the sofa and read instead. It actually made me an even better reader. It taught me to read while there was toddler destruction and other loud noises in the background.
I should clarify that at this time in my life I had not even had my first kiss. As a matter of fact, it was still a few years away. What can I say? I was a late bloomer. I won't go long here but let's just say that my first kiss and all other firsts after that pretty much sucked (no pun intended) compared to what I'd already been reading about for years. Yes, I admit it. The trashy novels ruined the experience for me.
I usually wouldn't admit to reading such filth. So over the years I sneak and read a few in the confines of my house. I would NEVER be caught in public with such a paperback!! It was bad enough reading the Twilight series in public on a business trip...
So, for my covert reading pleasure the hubby got me a Nook for Christmas. If you're not familiar it's Barnes & Noble's eReader. Similar to Amazon's Kindle but with more features. This way I can read anything I want with no one around me being the wiser. I can read all the trashy crap I want in the middle of the airport and I don't have to worry about being judged. I love it!!
Although I'm not sure, in retrospect, that the hubby thinks his gift was such a wise decision. I did help with all the renovating we did over the holidays but every other waking minute was devoted to reading on my Nook. And it also gives new meaning to "nookie", much to my hubby's chagrin.
But I've stumbled on a problem with it. Or with B&N, I'm not yet sure. I downloaded some free short stories. Ok, I'll admit it. They're trashy romance short stories. I ready the first one, 15 pages. I got to page 14 and when I hit page forward it automatically took me back to my master book list, NOT PAGE 15!!!
HELLO!! How am I supposed to figure out the ending??
Another one gets you through the copyright pages, etc and then when you should be at the first page of the story it sends you back to the book list.
The hubby thinks this is funny. Somehow he's convinced that B&N knows I've already read my lifelong limit of smut and is cutting me off.
But isn't this part of the allure of having such a device?? I can read whatever, whenever without any worry?? They shouldn't be censoring what I'm reading!!
Of course I'm sure it's a tech glitch that must be worked out. But I find it interesting that I have had no such problems with Pride & Prejudice and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
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