Anxiously Waiting

The final day of this blog challenge is upon me. Hooray!

I woke up very sleepy, but dragged myself kicking and screaming to the gym. Treadmill and weights today.

And now I am feeling very anxious and I'm not sure why. Today was pay day, so I figured if I paid all my bills, perhaps that would keep some anxiety at bay, but no, it's still here.

I'm all caught up with my work, so that's not the source of my angst either. Usually Fridays come bringing a relaxed calm as the weekend is almost present.

Ah well. I don't know what's going on or why. Maybe it's stress I've been pushing down bubbling to the surface.

Writer group this weekend, so I hope it motivates me to get writing again.

A Day in My Life

So far this is what I've done with my day.

Woke up at 6:15ish. Started up the car from the living room with my handy remote starter, got dressed in gym attire, brushed my teeth and headed out to the gym. Once there, I handed the broken shreds of my gym card to the gym lady and headed to the elliptical machine. My gym card was massacred last weekend, when Shane and I were barhopping in Royal Oak. It had fallen out of my pocket, and was consequently run over.

After 30 minutes and 2 miles of virtual earth was conquered, I got off and lifted weights. Chest flies and chest presses. I ran out of time and couldn't finish the rest of my weight routine. That will have to wait till Friday.

I then returned home, started my coffee machine and took a shower. After that, I did all the usual getting ready things, including making my lunch, which I should really learn to do at night when possible.

Two freeways later and I arrived at the office. Opened lots of virtual mail and discovered today is my last day to sign up for health benefits and I still needed to finish that. And I found, I was officially 6 weeks behind on my time sheets.

Caught all those up. Looked at benefit info. Finished up a project. Emailed a story for my writer group on Sunday, and called the eye doctor and made an appointment to see if I was a good candidate for Lasik Eye Surgery.

Then lunch: I ate homemade chili I'd made with stolen cracker packets from the overpriced cafeteria.

And that's where the day has stopped for now. Later, it may involve dinner TBD, and a long commute home.

Tinsel and TIme

Post lunch blog:

I'm full of squash soup and apple slices. And a bit of peanut butter.

Last night after work, after dinner I was lounging on the sofa in my pajama's and thought I should do something, since it was only about 8:00 at that point.

I hustled to dress and scooted off to Kohl's to buy a few Christmas ornaments. They were 50 percent off, an I hadn't bought any new ones in a few years. I ended up with three, a roll of wrapping paper, and a pair of Christmas socks for the bargain price of $13.00.

But I don't think the tree will be going up till next week sometime. I'm hosting our family Christmas, so that should be interesting.

So far, I've only purchased one small holiday item. But, I've got time. After all, it's not even December yet.

Not noteworthy

I'm wearing my new winter coat. It's vintage. Red and black.

I love it. Funny how since I bought it at a vintage store it sounds better than if I said, I bought this used at the Salvation Army. Essentially, it's the same exact thing.

Here nor there. I love it and I spent what I'd planned too. I just donated my old winter coats. I've been trying to streamline the closets lately.


The book I'm still reading: To the Nines, by Janet Evanvovich. Very fun and entertaining. After that, I'm going to tackle the book my friend Nevada wrote. And I'm still reading my Aunt Erin's book too, which I love. I like hearing stories about my Grandma Hope.

Today might be a good day to clear off my desk. I've got it piled with stuff, and I think I must've been Fred Sanford in some former life.

I have managed to carry just one bag into the office in the morning. This is big progress.

Back to the Office

Back at the office. I'm sort of glad to be back to my normal routine.

I wouldn't say I really went crazy with the eating over the long weekend, but I was more relaxed than I have been recently, and I'm looking forward to getting back to my gym and healthy, healthy eating kick.

And I'm actually working on a project. True, it is so boring I could dry paint with it, but still. And as it turns out, I still don't have much news. I am burning my Bobby Bare cd right now for my Uncle Joe. I hope it cheers him up.

Today it's so gray outside, I'm doing my best to pretend it's nice out and the weather isn't making me feel blah.

In other news, my faux pas with my bumper is getting fixed in the morning.

Not much

Dinner is cooking.

I had a great day. Shane and I hung out for most of the day, and now I'm cleaning and hanging around the house. A bit hungover, but we had a good time last night.

Hopefully, we'll hang out again soon.

Sorry, but I've got no worthy blog news today.

My hung over fog will clear by morning, and maybe I'll have better blog content. :)

Saturday

Back from the north. It's good to be home. My brother is coming over so we can hang out.

We're like Donnie and Marie without the creepy Morman overtones. Longer blog tomorrow, when life returns to normal. I will blog longer, sleep in my own bed, and go to the gym.

Goodnight and good luck.

Post Turkey

Post turkey coma and all is quiet on the home front. Or rather, my mom' s home front.

We just returned from an outing at the movie, Enchanted. A feel good, funny sweet and sappy. Perfect for 8 year old girls and me. :)

Everyone once in a while, I need a little more fluff than drama. Real life is real enough.

Short entry today. Heading home tomorrow. I will write more when I return to my own computer.

Turkeys Come Home

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's pre turkey and I've already had a nap. I'm hungry and going to drink wine.

I'm thankful that my dad and my uncle joe are here. I shall try to focus on happy things today.

I've arrived up north. Tis the quiet before the bird.

Till Later.

Heading Out

Heading up north.

Till Tomorrow.

It's Raining Men

My friend R. and I have been discussing for some time, our Top 10 list of men that we like in the 7th grade sort of like. These are also celebrities. My list isn't complete yet, but I thought this blog would be a good place to start collecting my thoughts.

1. John Cusack: He's smart, cute, sensitive, and plays the every man well in his movies.

2. Joaquin Phoenix: He's got what I like to call throw down. A bit of a brooder perhaps, but watch Walk the Line, and tell me you don't find him to be a tasty dish. (This is pre-crazy bearded cave man).

3. Matt Damon: I'm gonna agree with People magazine on this. Sexist Man Alive. A guy's guy, smart, loyal, isn't over exposed by the media.

4. Christan Bale: Good actor, sexy voice, nice eyes, and is always playing very versatile roles. My favorite Batman, by far.

5. Michael Vartan: The hot teacher from Never Been Kissed. Yummy!!

6. Edward Burns: Hot, hot, creative, smart, dry wit, independent filmmaker and now dad of two kids.

7. Gerard Butler: My god. Pure animal lust evokes when I think of this actor. He was the quiet hot man in Dear Frankie, a little seen indie movie, who was kind and so hot. Last summer I think he was in that movie, 300 and he is about to star in some movie that makes me willing to put up with Hillary Swank. (That movie, was PS, I love you. Pure dreck, but oh still worth it.).

8. Harry Connick Jr.: I have loved Harry for a very long time. I like his voice, and hearing him sing makes me happy so judge me if you will. I don't care. He is a gentleman and a humitarian and he makes me want to lay on his piano.

9. Daniel Craig: The new Bond is my new boyfriend... IF only. Hot in an animalistic way and I love a man with a British accent. He definitely has what I referred to earlier as "throw-down."

10. Jon Hamm- The actor who plays Don Draper. A husband so disloyal, yet you want to forgive him. As I've mentioned before he gets away with far too much because of his bad boy dressed nice ways. And he does have a sweet side, a soulful side that comes softly to to the surface in unguarded moments.

Must Love Cusack

I'm just back from lunch. I'm drinking my first peppermint mocha of the season. I'm happy to report that it isn't too sweet and I'm very much enjoying it.

Had a decent weekend. Chased saddness and depression on Friday and it caught me for most of the day Friday, but then I dragged myself out for beer on Friday night and things seem to look better with a little beer.

Saturday morning, I decided to leisure about with my coffee and a movie. Wintery Blend from Trader Joe's and Must Love Dogs was a good combo. I adore John Cusack. The only problem is, most of us just endure those horrible dates, online or otherwise and there is never a John Cusack at the end, wanting to date us. But I guess that's what makes it a movie. :)

Sunday, I was up early to get ready for the Lions game with my brother. Tailgating by 9am. I couldn't bring myself to drink beer till I had coffee, but I managed to have a few. I had lots of fun. The game itself was ok, but our Lions just couldn't get their shit together.

Tonight, it's dinner with Becky. Looking forward to seeing her.

My fingers can't type

My hands are numb from the cold. I will report on the Lions game tomorrow.

But in short, I had lots of fun. And I'm now equally pleased to be at home with my space heater.

Until Monday.

Couch Spectator

Last night after spending far too many hours sitting on the couch in a stupor of depression, cupcake mix, cream cheese icing, and tv, some friends convinced me to come out for a drink.

Problem was, I'd left my sports bra on the whole day, my hair was a swirly mess (haircut today 2pm), and I was wearing my glasses.

20 minutes later, I looked considerably normal, so I headed out. First stop was this trendy new sushi place that was packed full of hipsters. You know those people who look like they live in NYC, or pretend they do, even if this hipster joint shares the kiddie corner with my decrepit, run down gym.

I didn't order a drink there because it was far too crowded. We left and went to a more normal bar. Less trendy lights and pool tables. Here, I had a cheese stick, maybe it was one and half, and some spinach dip and two beers.

And since I'd walked, even the walk to and from the bar, helped clear my head and I was feeling all together a bit more optimistic.

Right now, I'm enjoying some couch lounging and my coffee. This ritual, I usually save for Sunday mornings, but tomorrow I'll be zooming off to the Lions game with my brother and won't have time for couch lounging.

Apparently, we arrive early in order to tail gate, which for Shane must involve a lot of Diet Coke. I'm not sure I'll be able to drink beer in the morning, but we'll see how it goes.

Either way, I'm looking forward to it. Truth be told, I'm not so much a football fan, as a hang out with friends and visit fan. And I like to watch the players butts in those tight little football pants.

Eh

Today was an ok day. I had the day off, so it seems like the day should have been amazing.

It wasn't. It was just like a bonus Saturday. I need to get a haircut tomorrow, so I thought I'd clean the house, go to the grocery store, and made home-made cupcakes for a pot luck dinner on Saturday.

I did make it to the gym, and talked to an 88 year old lady on the treadmill next to me. She was so cool. I was quite impressed she was there.

Watching Rocky 3. Never gets old. I will clean during the commercials.

That's it for today.

HO HO HO

I can't stand the Political Correct world in which we live these days. I just finished reading a news article, and this excerpt is below:

SYDNEY (AFP) - Santas in Australia's largest city have been told not to use Father Christmas's traditional "ho ho ho" greeting because it may be offensive to women, it was reported Thursday.

Sydney's Santa Clauses have instead been instructed to say "ha ha ha" instead, the Daily Telegraph reported.

WTF! I know that some things in this world needed to be changed, but this has gone completely overboard. We can't even say the phrase HO, HO, HO? It's ridiculous in the same way that that preacher went after the gay telltubby a few years back.

This is what happens, when adults attach their agenda's to children. Children are innocent and as long as you're not teaching them to be racist, or to wear mini Klan robes, I don't see how a child is going to hear the phrase, HO, HO, HO, and think of a prostitute.

Kids like Dora, and Sponge Bob, and horses. They don't know about hookers, pimps, gangsters or any of the above.

I find Political Correctness offensive.

FUCK PC!

Mr. Damon

Tonight is a family dinner with some cousins at an Irish family owned restuarant in Berkley. Looking forward to it hanging out, maybe having a drink and catching up.

In other news, we get Friday off for some random reason. Don't care why, I'm just happy to particpate. I'll sleep in a bit, go to the gym and then I'm getting a haircut.

Hooray!

I'm currently reading Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich. So far so good. It's quite a depature from Lolita.

And in entertainment news, Matt Damon has been named People Magazine's Sexist Man Alive for 2007. I'll buy that. Lots of things go into making him attractive. He is boy next door cute, has nice arms, (Hello Bourne movies), he's very intelligent, loyal, self depracting etc. This is of course all speculation, but I do think he is a talented actor who works hard and doesn't feed on his own publicity.

That's it for today.

Pulp Fiction

Do you have one of those movies that changed you? As you watched it for the first time, you were awestruck and going to that movie actually meant something? And years later even when you just hear the soundtrack you're immediately taken back to a specific time period?

Pulp Fiction is that movie. It came out in 1994. I saw it in the summer time. I was 21 or 22 at the time, and I had never seen anything like it in my life. I loved all of it.

The great dialogue, the music, the quirky characters, and even the insane over the top violence was part of the fun. I actually felt very sad when John Travolta's character Vincent Vega was killed. I loved Bruce Willis. Samual Jackson. They all brought humanity and humor to people we probably weren't supposed to like.

And movie audiences rooted for Quentin Taratino, an under-dog who brought back some actors and with his passion, made them relevant again. I found it to be one of those movies that polarized people. You either loved it or hated it. There wasn't any middle ground with this one.

That summer, I felt free. Had a summer job, but my main job seemed to be hanging out with my friends, drinking bar hopping and barbequing.

I haven't had that sense of complete freedom in a long time, but thanks to the soundtrack of the movie, I'm immediately transported back to that summer when anything was possible.

Before cancer, before all my friends had babies, before I worked in advertising, before I cared about working out, before college was over, before wars, before grad school in Atlanta, and before I really knew how important that summer, that movie, that time would be.

Faux Binge

It's almost lunchtime in the office.
And I'm hungry, so forgive me if I talk about food in a lustful manner.

Speaking of that though, on Saturday morning after my workout, I was feeling like having a good old fashioned, "Screw it. I am going to eat whatever I want today, Weight Watchers be damned."

Then this happened: I ended up fondling some cakes. Chocolate, Apple Torte, Raspberry swirled something. Don't worry, they were protected by plastic domes. I looked at some frozen fried cheese sticks, moved on and eye-balled some Cheeto's, picked up a box of Golden Grahams or would it be Honeycombs?

and this is what I came home with:

1. Bran flake cereal with a half a gram of sugar per serving.
2. Half Gallon, Skim milk.
3. Skinny Cow Peanut Butter Ice cream sandwiches.

Go nuts.

Made It

I almost forgot to post today, but here I am.


Got up this morning and went to visit my dad. We hung out, sorted his mail, (he got your card Lacy, Thank you :), and I got him so lunch and a few packs of smokes, and then I kissed him on the cheek and headed off.

Went to see my best friend Connie for a little bit, but our girly visit got interrupted by her husband coming home early. Ah well. It's not so fun to girl talk with a guy in the room.

I headed off to the grocery store where I bypassed carrot cake that was on sale. I should get a medal, for those of you who are aware of my love for carrot cake.

Oh yes, carrot cake you will be mine and very soon.

Keep on keepin on. Tomorrow is the start of another week.

Unsteady

I feel like shit. And I feel sad. I hate cancer. I'm trying to think about other things, but with a dad and my favorite uncle who is also my Godfather both fighting cancer, I'm having trouble this morning.

People look at you funny if you start crying on the elliptical machine, I discovered.

Too damn bad. I'm sure I will rally and try to stay positive and strong for my loved ones soon. They need me. And I need them.

I've been distracting myself by watching Scrubs on dvd from netflix. It helps.

And I cleaned my house last night, which also helps. I think I will be doing some more cleaning today.

No, I don't want Fries with That

Today's post starts with an article I was reading online yesterday:

The average American consumer eats three burgers and four orders of fries each week. A typical American child now gets one-fourth of his or her vegetables in the form of French fries or potato chips. Half our nation's family food budgets are spent in restaurants, with fast-food operations and chains getting the lion's share of the spending.

3 or 4 fast food meals a week? Are they kidding? The other day when I said I ate fast food occasionally, I meant that pre healthy eating, I ate fast food maybe once a month.

And now, it's usually one or two times a summer if I'm on road trip and there's not much else. So, I guess I wasn't ever a true fast food junkie.

That was good news. My weekend is open-ended at this point. I like this. My week's lately get all scheduled up and I'm looking forward to going home, cleaning the house and having a beer.

They can't all be great

Last night's shopping venture was a success. I am defining success by the fact that A. I only spent $4.00, and B. Got a really cool bag that is so me to carry my wallet,lunch and whatever else I need or think I need to work each morning.

So, there's that. In other good news,while working out on the elliptical machine this morning, I realized it's not as hard as it used to be. The good and bad news, is now it's time to bump up that resistance.

Don't think I'm going to increase length of time spent on it just yet (30 minutes currently at 2. something miles logged per time), but that can come next.

It's all about moderation and slowly taking this exercise and eating right to the next level and the evolution of my work outs.

I'm guessing I have a good month and half before my gym starts clogging up with post holiday guests, and I say, Come one, come all. There's plenty of room at the inn, just keep out of my way. Don't get on my machines before me.

Gray weather today. I'm trying to stay cheerful despite the weather and that bitch, Mother Nature.

The Heat is On

3:20 and no inspiration to be found. But this blog challenge waits for no one, so here I am, in all my mediocre glory.

Tonight I'm meeting my Aunt Carol after work for some light shopping. I say light because I don't really have a lot of money, yet I need to buy a few new sweaters and or shirts for Fall/Winter.

Last night at 4:30 am, I finally decided it was time to turn on the heat. I'd been blissfully warm with my new down comforter but last night it was actually cold. I was relieved to find that my furnace was actually working. I hate calling my landlord. I do it so rarely, but he's such a jerk and he doesn't handle any situation that requires his attention very well. He always makes me feel like it's my fault somehow.

It's times like that I must remind myself, there are things I'd change, hell, mostly I'd like to move, but it's cheap where I live, I'm centrally located and man, do I hate moving.

7 and 7

Good Morning,

I was just blog searching and found a blog that had a suggested post where you as the blogger are to name 7 random facts or maybe not some random, about yourself.

1. My right leg is shorter than my left. Consequently, my feet are about a half size different. This is because of a problem with my Achilles tendon from birth. I'm fine with it, but I will say shoe shopping can be a bitch.

2. I don't think I've ever had a 7 and 7 cocktail. It's one of those drinks that sounds cool and I'd feel like a hipster for ordering it. Does anyone know what's actually in it?

3. My middle name is Rose. This is a family name. Lots of my cousins and aunts on the Quinlan side also have this name. My mom told me part of the reason she picked it is because both of my names are colors. Kelly (Green) and Rose.

4. When I was a kid, I liked hamburgers. I liked cheese. But I did not like cheeseburgers. I've since overcome this phenomenon.

5. I have had the same best friend since I was 6 years old. We met when I came to her school, and she asked if I wanted to play on the swing set. She taught me how to curl my hair, how to put on make-up and if it wasn't for her mom, I wouldn't have had any after school snacks. We've had our ups and downs, but we're pretty close again. She's the closet thing I'll ever have to a sister.

6. Madonna's dad owns a winery in northern Michigan. It's close to my mom's house in Lake Leelanau. I've been to it. They make a good red wine. And no, she wasn't there.

7. My drivers ed teacher was a German man with a horrible temper. He used to call me Red, because I had dyed my hair which is naturally dark brown with blond hair dye and thus turned it into the color of Alf's fur.

Stretch

This morning I chose sleep over the gym. I had too. Last week, it seems I was groggy a lot of the time. And I thought this morning, what a novelty to be less groggy when I start my week.

But fear not, exercise trackers. I have been wanting to try my Pilate's dvd again to see if I've gotten any more flexible. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll be bending to a half pretzel after work.

I remember those flexibility tests in Middle School. I always scored in the negative number range. Maybe it was because one leg was shorter than the other? Or maybe I simply didn't care enough if my hands reached far, far across my toes? Either way, any shake up in the fitness routine is good for the body.

Wearing my new bra this morning, and Hello Dolly. Who knew I had a rack that could rival Ted Nugent's?

I suspect I will lose some boobage when I'm finished with this weight loss journey, but it looks like I'll still have enough left over.

Time to go. I have to write a monologue for Tuesday's comedy class.

Daylight Twilight

It's amazing to me how an extra hour of sleep this morning has made me feel productive today. Slept in a bit, got ready and headed to writer group. Had a good meeting and for me, it was nice to see everyone again.

After group, I headed to Walmart to buy some freezer containers, and found a cute casual coat for super cheap, which will do on those casually cold days. My real winter coat, I haven't found yet, but the search continues.

Came home, made homemade chili, but realized I was starving so I ate a tostada for dinner instead. No matter. Lots of chili for meals the rest of the week. I then cut out coupons and put them in my coupon wallet (god, I'm pathetic) :), and now I'm couch lounging and doing laundry.

For my first post Lolita read, I'm going to go for one of the lighter fun Janet Evanovich bounty hunter books. I think I'm on book 8.

And a side note on my food blog of the other day. You know the one, where I hopped up on a soapbox and told you all the foods I no longer eat? Well, occasionaly for no rhyme or reason, I crave the poufy Cheetos.

So, today I let myself buy the small, small lunch box size. A little Cheeto goes a long way.

Saturday

Ah. My free internet connection has finally decided to cooperate, so here I am with today's entry. Not much to report. I did go to the gym this morning, after dragging myself from bed. I was and I am quite tired. Looking forward to that extra hour of sleep tomorrow morning.

Finished Lolita. More about that after writer group tomorrow morning. Bra shopping was a success last night and I was actually wearing the wrong size. New bra is making me feel pretty and feminine and since I was able to use the coupon and my gift card, it was a smart purchase indeed.

Perhaps today, I have a new appreciation for fine lingere for one's mood. Sunday I will do more cleaning and make home made chili.

That's all I got. I must go log in my food journal now.

Weekend at Bernies

The gauntlet has been thrown. I've entered into the blog every day for a month competition. I promise to complete it. I can't promise every blog will be interesting, but I'm guessing if you're reading it, you're just procrastinating anyhow.

So, onto today's agenda. Hmm. Don't have one. :)

Tonight after work, I'm going to Somerset to buy a new bra at Victoria's Secret. I have a gift card and a coupon, which means I can probably afford a new bra there. But my god, what do they make them out of? A little fabric and some wire and bam. $42.00

But, I'm all about pretty undie things for myself and this is one small perk of not spending my disposable income on diapers or formula. I may not have a baby, but damn, I got a pretty bra and pantie set.

Saturday is TBD. Although, I know it will involve the gym and most likely the farmer's market.

Sunday is writing group which will be cool. We're workshopping a bit and discussing Lolita, which I must finish by Sunday. Why do I wait till the last minute? I feel like I'm in high school again.

There's lots of room to squeeze in other things too, so the day is full of possibility.

The last few days, I've spent running around anyway, so I wouldn't mind a mello evening. Bring on the lounging!

Take it off the Menu

I've decided to compile a list of foods that I no longer eat or even like since I've started on my healthful journey to Healthavana! Yes, I just made up a place.

1. The White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks: This used to be like liquid crack to me. I could drink one a day, and still want more. And since it had been a while, I decided to treat myself to one last week. I got a small, aka tall and I couldn't drink it. I had a few sips, and then I just threw it away. It was way too sweet and I didn't like it. It made me miss my tall, nonfat latte with nutmeg.

2. Coffee Cream in fun flavors: I love coffee and will continue the full on love affair with the magical beverage, but I used to pour all this chemical enhanced flavored shit in it, every day. Butter Pecan, Cinnamon Hazelnut, Turtle swirled chocolate, you name it, and I put in my coffee. One day, I just decided NO MORE. I'm off of it now, and I feel better.

3. Sugared Cereals: Hmm, I'm sensing a pattern with sugar. :) Anyway, my parents weren't the type to encourage eating Sugar Pops, or Capn Crunch, or Smore, or Honeycomb cereal, so naturally as an adult, I bought it all the time. And it sets off the switch.
Once you have a bowl, you want more. So, I gave this up too. Because rarely do I go, man, gimme some more grapenuts. But that's what I really like now. With fresh blueberries.

4. TacoBell: I think a small amount of fast food occasionally is ok, but a few months ago, I tried to eat some Taco Bell and I had to throw it away. It was so gross that it certainly wasn't worth the calories. The thing is, once I've been away from these foods, and try to eat them, I realize I'm not really missing anything at all. So, if I crave some Mexican I go out for Mexican or make it at home, where at least I know about all the ingredients that went into it.

5. And I'll throw this in just because. I don't really like baby carrots anymore. I don't mind them with some hummus or as part of a veggie tray, but just because I'm eating healthier doesn't mean I want to eat baby carrots till my skin turns orange.