Go NOW

I am ready for winter to leave. Now, please.

In other news, I've been trying to keep myself busy visiting people and going to the gym to chase away the winter blahs.

Some days it works. Some days it doesn't. I've got a headache. But I've already had pain medicine today. Can't really have anymore.

Looking forward to going home today. Mostly cause then I won't be here.

Post Oscar

Last night was the Oscars. And the Oscars Party. It was a lot of fun. Lots of fancy cocktails, food and waiters in tuxes. Kind of like prom, minus the teen angst.

That dress was an old bridesmaid dress, but a classic style that I was able to wear again.

Highlight of the evening, Cookies decorated in the likeness of the nominees. Which is how I ended up taking George Clooney home. Micheal Clayton indeed.

Thanks for inviting me Tonya.

And the Enevolpe Goes To...

When I was a teenager, I started a love affair with award shows. I love seeing all the celebrities dressed to the 9's, while wishing I could sleep with most of the tuxedo clad men. And I especially loved moving acceptance speeches where a weepy Tom Hanks spoke with honest emotion about his love for his wife, Rita Wilson.

One year in my early 20's, I even got my friend Karlene to dress with me in fancy Oscar attire, while we watched from the living room and sipped apple juice and champagne.

Another year, I went to a coffeehouse that was hosting the festivities and won prizes based on random Oscar trivia.

This year?

I'm attending an Oscar party with a friend at a fancy hotel in Birmingham with free drinks and food. Dressing up is encouraged.

I'm plotting my acceptance speech now.

I'll take 2

I had a good weekend. Watched Martian Child with John Cusack. It was interesting and made me think, so that's always a good thing. And of course John Cusack, you can't go wrong.

Also, had my taxes done and I'll be receiving my refund in about a week. Ireland, here I come. Not sure I mentioned that trip in this space yet, but I'm going to Ireland in April. I can't wait. My mom and I are gonna tear up those pubs and lovely green hillsides.

More on this later.

And, I've decided to take some of my refund and buy myself some cute spring clothes. I am still losing,but some pretty new spring clothes will help with my mission. I never used to buy any new clothes as some sort of punishment for being overweight, which only made the problem worse. Now, I have steadily purchased along the way, so I can see my progress. Like much of life, this is a process that requires patience along the way. And celebration.

So, look out spring clothes. I'll be loading the closets soon.

I heart the snooze button

My mind's a bit foggy this morning. Seems my brain was whirling in the dead of night when it should have been resting. I was after all, sleeping.

Threw off my whole morning. No gym, overslept. Bah. I'll get there after work.

All you can do some mornings, is put on enough make-up to give the illusion you're awake, and drink lots of coffee in hopes the rest of you will catch up.

867 5309

The Eighties are back, or they were for a few hours on Saturday night. I went to a theme party with my brothers at a Knights of Columbus Hall. Complete with wood paneling and beer for $1.75 a bottle.

I felt like I was back in Grayling. But it was fun to relive the 80's now, with beer and less angst. The music back then was innocent and poppy fun.

The biggest thing I remember from the 80's was Strawberry Shortcake dolls, Quiet Riot and Eddie Van Halen. He was my first rock and roll crush.

Stay Away

Two and a half hours until official quitting time. Supposed to meet some work folks after work to hang out for a bit and I'm suddenly feeling a little sick. This won't do. I've already been sick a few times this winter, and I've actually got a theme party to go to tomorrow.

An 80s party. I've already combed the racks at thrift stores to find a suitable outfit.

So, whatever this is, I need it to leave me. Right now.

It really doesn't fit into my leg warmer shopping, gym toting, eye doctoring, I've got planned before the party.

YAY

Today I hit a milestone in my ongoing weight loss journey. A stubborn pound that had been hanging out since before Christmas, finally hit the road today, leaving me officially 30 and then some, pounds lighter.

Hooray! I'm ready to continue to tackle this weight, but for today, for this moment, I am forcing myself to enjoy what I've accomplished so far.

And it made me think about something: After reading a fellow losers journey, she asked, Why do you want to lose weight?

The short answer: To look good. To have more fun shopping, to sound like a shallow female. But that isn't the reason. It may have been that in the begining, but it has given me so much more.

Mostly, it gives me peace of mind. I don't feel trapped anymore by my own body. I no longer feel bad, every single morning when I get dressed. And it's not because I wake up thinking, "Damn, I'm hot."

Cause I don't do that, and I have serious doubts I ever will. But I do feel more at peace. That even if I don't lose anymore, it will be ok. That's not to say that I feel done or that I won't keep working hard to lose the rest, but I have improved my health greatly by doing what I have already done. My health is better, and I exercise on a regular basis.

I still don't love the gym, but I love the feeling I get when I'm done exercising. A bit tired, but refreshed and mentally, I always feel less stressed and a calm sense of it will be alright comes over me. Nothing else in my life gives me that feeling.

Sure, I still love a cupcake, but today I'm choosing better at each meal which gives me freedom to eat one every now and then. Chocolate with frosting.

Soundtrack for a day

Which came first?

The depression or the country music?

Swamped in both. Let's see who breaks first.