Oh, what to blog about today?

I have been here at work and deciding on what I should post today. Well, that's just it, I am going to post about work.

I am very blessed that during this tough economic time to have a job. I know that so many people are struggling to keep their heads above water right now.

I remember my first day here. I was so thrilled that this opportunity had finally come my way. I had been fighting for a little over a year to find a stable place to work. Many of the offices that I had worked in after graduating were so small and had no money. Many could only offer me part time work, so I doubled up the jobs. Finally, it came down to it.

I had this one boss that I can honestly say we were friends. And we still are. I am on his bulk store club card still. It broke my heart to tell him that I had to leave and move on. The simple truth was that he and I had no money. He couldn't afford me, and I couldn't pay my bills.

Now, I am at a firm that has structure (which I love) and seven other offices. They are hiring people every day. Its amazing.

I have fantastic benefits. They pay a portion for my gym membership and personal training. They flat out pay my health and life insurance and offer affordable dental. I get a 15% discount at a top of the line clothing store. It is just impossible to list all the perks of this place.

Not only is the company great, but the people that I work for and with are as well. Just today, my co worker and friend brought in specifically for me a blackberry cobbler. It is fantastic. I was "testing" it out for her. Honestly, the only thing that could have made it better would have been a large scoop of ice cream. I was in absolute heaven. And who can really say that at work?

Furthermore, they are relying on me more and more everyday. Even the managing partner, who I don't work for directly, has been giving me things of his to do. Completely trusting that I will get the job done, and get it done right.

The other side of the coin is that, if I happen to screw something up, they understand, trust and know that I am going to do everything within my power to make it right.

So, here's a little shout out to my work homies. Thanks for making this place what it is.

All Natural

I was talking to my brother yesterday, again (he calls me a lot, not complaining, just stating). The first thing that he said to me was, "What did you do to yourself?" At first I thought that he was talking about my ankle.

"Dumb dumb, you knew about that, it was two weeks ago." "You did this in two weeks?" he said. "Wait, what are you talking about?"

Apparently he had logged on to facebook and had seen some photos of me that Sarah N. loaded up from this past weekend. He said that I looked fantastic and to keep it up.

Well, not only was he referring to the weight loss, but this past weekend I tried something different. Since it was raining on Friday and I was too lazy to fight the humidity, I went "natural." Meaning that I have wavy hair and did not straighten it, but rather let it go. I have gotten so many compliments on it. I had no idea that it would go over so well. I have always been fitting it, blow drying, strengthening it and all kinds of other torture devices to make it look what I thought was best.

I have decided to stop fighting myself and to roll with it. I will blow dry my hair still, but I will let it go natural from time to time. I have also decided to take my hair back to blonde. I have always been blonde my entire life until I started "rebelling" against my parents so to speak by dying it different colors and cutting it really, really short. I am also going to stop fighting my "cowlick" and work it with and not against it.

Even my boss\friend made a comment last night. "What did you do to your hair? I love it." When I told her that it was natural she looked slightly jealous. Hahaha. Sorry babe.

I'll drown...

Lately I have been doing this NeilMed Senus cleanser thing every day, sometimes twice a day. I cannot express how much better I feel and the fact that I have not been sick due to allergies in months is a pure miracle.

I told my mom about it since she is the one who so graciously and generously passed down her allergies to me. The conversation went about like this...

Me: Mama, you have got to try this. Your allergies are the worst of anyone in the family. It would really do you some good to breathe every once in a while.

Mama: I can't do that. I would drown.

Me: Mama, you will not drown, that is stupid.

Mama: Nope, it'll squirt into my brain and I will drown.

Me: Okay, Mama, whatever.

Is that not the dumbest thing that you have heard?

My boss\friend got into this a long time ago. It was right after I had cut my grass last (I've paid others to do it since then). It was miserable. She showed me this video about it to better illustrate the whole concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9mvVe7Mk4

At the time, I was squatting in the floor next to her watching it on her computer. I laughed so hard that I actually fell over.

The first time that I did it, I was so stuffed up that some of the saline solution came out my tear ducts. (Yuck!) The first time that Sarah N. saw me do it, so laughed so hard and loud that it made me laugh and I sprayed the solution everywhere but my nose.

Anyway, if any of you suffer from seasonal allergies or anything really, you should try it. Its a little weird at first, but its well worth it.

Just when you think they can't get any crazier...

I had yet another fantastic weekend.

It started Friday when a friend of mine came into town from NYC to play at AthFest. It is really sad that I have know the guy for 2 1/2 years, even worked with him, and had never heard him play. They rocked it. Even though the scene wasn't exactly mine and Sarah S.'s (she came along for the ride) we still had fun. We chilled out at Normal Bar until midnight when my friend would take the stage at GoBar. They were awesome. Such enthusiasm and they were really good. We danced, and danced, and danced in our little corner seeing as the entire establishment is no bigger than my garage.

After the show and saying goodbye to my friend as he and his band mates packed up, we decided that the only to cap off the evening was with a McFlurry. We share the most amazing frozen creation. Num....

Oh, P.S. Sarah, you left your toothbrush in my bathroom :)

Update: Here is an article about my friend's band. They were so awesome. Read the part about ENGINEERING:Go Bar, Midnight.

http://flagpole.com/Weekly/Features/BeyondTheHeadliners-23Jun10

Saturday was a good and lazy day. I went out and ran some errands after a house viewing and waited for Sarah N. to get into town. When she arrived we were off to run some errands of our own. She helped my pick out/buy a new swimsuit that I so desperately needed. I only had two and one broke when I went to the lake with my cousins (remember the rope swing) and the other almost fell off my butt when I got out of the pool last weekend with Mel. So, it was definitely time. With a little help from Sarah S. via picture text, we found one that I and all parties like. Believe it or not, its not black. Shocker I know.

Later that night, it was time to head over to a friends house for a birthday/farewell party. We had so much fun. We played pong, which I tied a well played game. Although my partner and the other players made fun of my stance. Don't knock it if it works!

The party later moved downtown where somehow I managed to squeeze four people into the back of my car. I ran into two familiar faces that I had not seen in forever. It was great catching up and its funny how people remember you when you really didn't think that they would. For instance, at Firehouse, I ran into a guy that I attended the same elementary, middle and high school with. Now, during high school, I tried to keep a low profile, it just wasn't my time in life. Well, I walked up to the bar to get a drink and he was standing next to me. I looked at him, said "I think that we went to high school together." To my surprise, he eyes light up, grabbed my hand and said "[Mere!]"

Anyway, when it was time to leave, it was a bittersweet moment for Sarah N. She was so happy and said at the same time for our friend who is leaving for DC, but happy that he has a terrific job waiting for him when he gets there.

I had my hands full though. Our other friend who we had to take home was, well, wasted. You can always tell because he starts speaking Spanish, and this time, he was going like a rocket.

We made it back though, and Sarah S. and I might have stolen a hot dog or two while everyone was settling down for the night. When we got home, I crashed.

The next day I woke up pretty early considering that we didn't get in until 3. I tried to get Sarah N. up because we had a date at the pool with Mel. She wouldn't budge. So, I go into the kitchen and started making pancakes. I guess the smell drifted down the hall because she came rounded the corner soon after. We got there a little late, but it wasn't too bad. We hung out there for a while. Sorry that we couldn't hang with Mel and Lin more. Stupid people and their jobs. Who works on a weekend? Who?

After fun in the sun, Sarah N. and I got showered off and then went for some Sunday afternoon lunch. You will never believe where I got her to go... Cali 'N Titos!! That's right, she tried something new!

I have been dying to go there for so long, Plus I had a coupon, and when you have a coupon, you just have to use it.

Then we had some ice cream, which we seem to get every time that we are together. Sarah N., you are a bad influence Missy! Then we just chilled until it was time for her to leave.

P.S. Sarah N., you left your swimsuit in my bathroom. (what is it with people leaving stuff at my house?)

Then, last night it was time from some TrueBlood. All I can say is, "WOW!" Thanks Lin for letting my come over, and for putting stuff on my sunburn. I can't wait until we get to workout together! Super excited!!!!

Whoever said that this was easy, lied!

So, cycle class rolls around. Super excited to try my new shoes out.

I get there and my instructor shows me (really he did it and I watched) how to put together my shoes. Taught me how to clip them in. It took a couple of tries, but hey, I'm new.

Did you know that you have muscles in your knees? Or, at least it felt like it. That was the hardest class that I have had yet. I am more aware now of my foot placement though. Apparently when I stand for our "mountain climb," my feet tend to push out. Well, I had better correct it before they go flying out and I fall from the stupid bike.

When I was originally going to get a pair of the cycling shoes, my boss/friend told me that it would make the class easier. So, naturally I was a little hesitant to get them because the class has really worked tremendously for me. I am only 15 measly little pounds away from my goal. I didn't want it easier, I wanted to crank it up. Well, be careful what you wish for!

She had "man" hands...

Gotta love Seinfeld!

I was a wee bit late to personal training yesterday. Only a few minutes. I got pulled over by a cop on a motor cycle who had set up a speed trap. Jerk. He tried to tell me that I was going way faster than I actually was. I was polite , courteous, and simply told him "no sir." He let me go with a warning. About to say, I have not had a ticket since I was 18, and that includes parking. (Knocking on wood here)

When I got into the gym, I ran into the locker room, threw on my workout clothes and forgot to pull up my hair. Oh well, on with it. I get there and he said not to worry, I was his only client to actually show up that day.

I still think that he took it out on me. That was an incredible, and difficult, workout that I have had in a long time. We were just working on my arms too!

After one set of every exercise that I did, he asked me to row for a minute as fast as I could. The worse part, he talked to me the entire time and expected me to answer back. Dude, I'm concentrating on breathing right now. Shhh.

I was pretty impressed with myself though, and he seemed to be as well. He kept cranking up the weight, and I did push ups on that little half ball looking thing a ma-bopper.

I've gotten some sizable muscles now in my arms that I might actually consider trying to learn out to box those punching bags. Wouldn't that be cool? A bar tender at one of my local places asked me a few weeks ago if I had been weight lifting. Ha!

The only bummer is that I am starting to get these hard places on my palms from the rowing. I am suppose to be a girl right? My friend Cyndi suggested that I get some of those cut off gloves. I just might Cyndi, I just might. I like how small, thin and delicate my hands are, and I would like to keep them that way.

These shoes were made for cycling, and that's just what'll do...

Another lyric mess up by Mere! I thought it was cute. Anyway, on with the post.

So, I bet you have already guessed that I got a delivery the other day. My shoes to be exact. They were waiting for me when I got home. The Fedex guy must have been pissed at me because there was a huge dent in the side of the box, but have no worries, the shoes were fine.

I took them out of the box and tried them on. Fit like a glove. Its funny, I thought about it and I have not worn shoes with velcro on them since I was five years old. They look good though.

I am going to have my spin instructor put them together for me, you know, attach the cleat which secures your foot to the bike. I am so afraid that I will do it wrong and considering how much I spent on them, I am not willing to take any chances.

I cannot wait to try them out too! Super excited!!! (Can you tell?)

They just keep getting better and better.

I had yet another fantastic weekend. Friday, I went to get my hair cut and thinned out so that I can handle this crazy heat, got my toes done at my most favorite spot (they are so sweet. They did the color twice, per their request, because they didn't like the way it looked), then I hung out at the mall with Mel and her hubby. Then I went home, read my new Cosmo and watched a chick flick while resting my poor ankle (okay, it still hurts, but y'all stop worrying).

Saturday seemed like the day that never ended. I went to Vicki Secret for their semi annual sale and stocked up on all kinds of goodies (they also measured me to make sure that I was what I thought I was). I loved the fact that I go so much for so little, especially since I know that in a month they won't fit anymore. Bittersweet feeling. Then I grabbed a little lunch (craving Chinese like nobody's business) and then met up with Mel at the pool. Ahhhh, so relaxing. And get this, I am not burned, well except for the part in my hair (that's what I get for trying to be cute in the pool).

After the much needed two hour session of some serious R&R, I went home and got ready for my next venture. I traveled to my old stomping grounds to visit an old friend who is going to be moving soon for grad school. I hadn't seen him in forever, and I mean forever. He was such a great friend to me, particularly while I was going through a rough spot with the doctor.

When I crossed into the city limits he called to tell me that he would be a few, that he had just gotten a call that one of the sprinklers in the dorms had gone off. It took me back a ways. My very first night as an RA was such an experience. I had just gotten back from a funeral (the doctor's mother's to be exact) and it was four in the morning when the alarm went off. I jumped out of bed, grabbed my pants and set of keys and whipped my door open.

What did I see?

This large stream of water jetting out and pelting the wall. One of the fire sprinklers had exploded and was flooding the entire building (it was the fourth floor and the water traveled all the way down and flooded the building and destroyed much of the ceiling and drywall on all floors).

I raced into action and began checking all the rooms and vacating the building. What a night. I don't believe that I actually got to sleep until 8 or something. The Housing Department sent a message out to all professors excusing us from morning classes because the entire housing staff came in to help.

Anyway, moving on. Apparently his situation was nothing near as bad. Just a small leak easily handled by a bucket. As I waited for him, I sat on the swing on the porch of my old dorm (now offices). I remember when they hung that swing, we were so excited, we grilled out that weekend on the front steps of the building. I scrap booked it. I also sat there and remembered all the times that we would go out on the front lawn and throw the frisbee. Well, they would throw it, and I would hobble after it (this was right after my accident, running was difficult for me). Hahaha, the [Mere] shuffle.

We then walked down to my favorite eatery. The Brick. Ahh, such sweet memories. Every Tuesday night throughout my entire college career was spent there. They had 39 cent wings that night and boy were they good.

We talked and talked and talked some more. Pretty sure the waitress was getting annoyed because she had given us the check early and we were talking and laughing so much that it took forever to finish our meals. After finally finishing up, we were off to our next stop.

He had promised me during dinner that he would take me up the third floor of a dorm that has been off limits for I can't remember how long. Back in the 50's a girl killed herself up there when it was used as a party hall because some boy had left her. There are so many ghost stories about it. Plenty of people have claimed to have seen her peering out from the windows on the third floor. It was so spooky being up there, and hot. The old floors were still there and exposed. Many of the walls had huge gaping holes in them, the sinks were missing in many of the restrooms and the tile and showers look like something from a horror film.

However, it was nothing like that time we went under the dorm that I lived in my freshman year and the old housing building where most of it had been boarded up. We had nothing but the light on the video camera. The basement looked as though there was a chemistry lab down there, they finished for the day and never came back. Like a nuclear holocaust or something. Beakers and test tubes left out, stools pull out from under the counters, spider webs everywhere. Ahhhhh.

The old Housing Building was just as creepy. We went through the office that had the only working door into the rest of the building (the others had been boarded up and sealed). Inside it looked like a legitimate haunted house. Spiraling staircases, creaking floors. My friend John said that he saw the ghost one time climbing the stairs through an outside window.

One time, my friends and I decided to camp outside the building so that we could be the first to sign up for housing the following year. It began to rain, hard, on us, but we stayed out there. Completely drenched.

After my spooky tour, we went back to his apartment. We just talked and talked and talked for hours on end. Standing the entire time. I didn't even notice that my foot was hurting or how late it had gotten. I laughed so hard that my face was in so much pain. Finally, I looked at my phone. 12:30, what the &*^@! Where did the time go. I asked him where the nearest gas station would be that was open this time of night and that had air. So, he drove me back to my car, said our goodbyes, and I was off. I visited two gas stations that night. One of the air pumps required a dollar to run it, while the last only needed 5o cents. Can you believe that no gas station in Milledgeville gives out cash back? Its crazy, so after searching my car, I found the necessary quarters and put air in my tire that was looking really low. Eek. Then pumped gas and I was off.

I got home at 2 on the dot. Needless to say, Mo (my cat) was not pleased with me. I climbed into bed and crashed. I hadn't slept that long in forever. I would have slept longer, that is, if someone hadn't woken me up. Just kidding, Frannie called and needed a moment to vent (that's what I am here for dear, never feel bad about waking me up again!) Later that day, I went to the gym and attended spin class. It was a long one and my ankle is still throbbing from it. Oops. Maybe I will take it easy this week with the exception of the other spin class and my personal training session. I just wish it would hurry up and heal already.

Anyway, thanks to Mel and John for such a great weekend. I will miss John terribly and I hate that this was the first time that I had seen him since I left Milledgeville and that it will be the last for such a long time. (I might make the effort to come and visit, but did it have to be Arkansas, really?) I will miss our late night convos and hours of playing my super nintendo. All those programs and cleaning of the buildings after the summer camps. Those were the days, such great days. I miss them dearly. Those trips to the pool with J Ward. You guys were and still are awesome. I am so happy for you, but at the same time sad that you will be leaving. Take care my friend, and hopefully your journey will bring you back to Georgia, or someone much closer than Arkansas.

Shoes...

I recently purchased a new pair of shoes. They are by far the most expensive pair I have ever purchased...

I got them for spin class. Lately I have been getting foot cramps in my arches and figured that since I am addicted now, it was a solid investment. However, not only did I have to buy the shoes, but I needed the cleats that do not come with them. Its a racket. You can't just buy exactly what you need anymore at reasonable prices.

Oh well, if these don't do the job, I'll be pissed, but here's to hoping.

Bubble Wrap

According to my friend Sarah S., I need to be placed inside a large bubble or covered in bubble wrap. I told her that it was simply not necessary. I then began to think about it. How often do I really hurt myself?

Back in early May I was working out with my personal trainer. I was doing really well that day. Then she made me do something called "mountain climbers." As I kicked out each leg with such energy and enthusiasm, I felt a slight discomfort. No problem, you aren't suppose to be comfortable when you work out, otherwise everybody would do it. Then it happened. A loud and echoing pop came from my hip socket. Oh boy, what was that? For the next few weeks, every step was slightly hurtful, my normal exercises that weren't any trouble for me prior were now. My "dead bugs" became flat out painful. The pain then slowly began to ease, however to this day it still pops every now and then.

The weekend after that "pop," my brother and I went to hang out by the pool with Sarah N. We had spent the entire day before out in the sun with no problems. However, two hours by the pool and we were toast. I walked away with a 2nd degree sunburn on my thigh that as it started heal would bleed at times. Yuck!

The weekend following that was Memorial weekend. Play time at the lake. I was battle tubing with Sarah N., but taking it easy on her since she had never done it before. After we finally both fell off the tube, I had tube burn on my elbow from the bouncing off wake after wake. Later that day, I decided to dive off the boat after my little cousin to play with him on these rope swings that were tied in some trees down in a cove on the lake. The second I hit the water, the halter strap that held my swimsuit together broke and bruised me on both sides.

Believe it or not, the weekend after that...I know, this is getting to be ridiculous isn't it? I went to the lake again, this time with Brittney and Rickey. Britt and I were doing so well on the tube until Rickey's father who was driving the boat hit this huge, and I mean huge, massive wake, and we went flying into the air and then came hurdling back down and smacked right onto the tube again. I hit my chin and got a giant bruise from that.

This past weekend went fine. No problems or injuries to report. I rearranged the furniture in my living room, steam cleaned my carpet, went to spin class on both days, just an easy weekend at home. Then came Monday. Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn. I was working out, as I normally do. Ran on the treadmill for about 15, did my rowing, ab workout, squats, lounges, and then I thought I would do this really cool exercise that she (my trainer) showed me during our last session before she ran away to Russia for two months. This is when it all went downhill. I did one, two, crap. My foot came down wrong, and I fell straight onto the floor and on my back. There was yet, another loud pop and all came running to me who were in the area as they all heard it. How embarrassing. I assured them that I was fine, rotating my ankle a few times, got up and walked away. I then got on the elliptical to finish up my cardio because obviously I cannot do that previous exercise without adult supervision.

Today, the swelling has gone down enough that I was able to finally get a good look at it. I have this long line of bruising along the bottom of my foot, some bruising along the top of my foot, but it really doesn't hurt that much. In fact, I had training last night with my new sub training (who is absolutely hot by the way) and had no issues. I did feel bad though. He had this workout completely worked out and ready to go for me until I texted him on Tuesday about what I had done and then he had to redo it all. Oh well, sorry dude, I have to live with myself everyday, you can handle me for 30mins twice a month.

This post is brought to you by the bakers at Cakes by Mere

The last few weekends I have gotten back into my hobby of making cakes, Cakes by Mere that is.

The first one that I had made since Christmas was my nephews birthday cake. I cannot believe he is already a year old. The theme was airplanes, and of course, Frannie never fails to set the bar.

There were airplanes soaring the "sky." It was so cute. And instead of a take off, we had a cake off. Hahaha, love it.

The other cake that I made was in celebration of the season premier of my favorite show...TrueBlood. I wanted the cake to be simple, just like the promotional materials, so I did what I could being that I am no artist and was unable to draw the photo of the lips and blood, but I was still great and yummy!

Family

For some reason, my family has been heavy on my heart lately. So, I want to dedicate this blog to my siblings. Due to the whole "cool" and nonchalant attitude that we all try to portray, the occasional rivalries, it is often difficult to express our true feelings toward one another. Well, for this brief moment, I am taking down all walls and facades to tell them just that.

This is in chronological order...

Frannie, my resurrector.

You have brought me back to life. During one of the more difficult times in my life, where I felt cold and alone, you helped me find my spirit again. You know exactly what to say and give just the right amount of encouragement to help me through any and all obstacles that I encounter. You have lent me your ears on numerous occasions that it would near impossible to count them all. The first part of this year would have been unbearable if it weren't for you.

You are a terrific friend and an incredible sister!

Tara, my guardian angel.

Where to start? You are my inspiration for everything in my life. There isn't a day that goes by that you aren't in my thoughts. Although I only had you for such a short while, I know that my life is forever changed because of you. There were so many times that I should not have made it, and I can't help but think that you had something to do with the outcome. I draw my strength from your memory and strive to be half the person that you were.

Adam, my confident.

I know that we were rivals when we were kids, but that is usually how it goes. I cannot express how much you mean to me, the fact that at anytime I can call you and tell you my troubles without complaint. The fact you always offer sound advice and try to help out in any way that you can. I miss you terribly when you are so far away, but I know that you are where you are suppose to be and making your life all that it can be and more. I hope that one day I can be as successful and happy in my career as you are in yours.

Kevin, my protector.

Although I give you a hard time, and I usually don't know why you feel it necessary to protect or shield me from something, I appreciate immensely. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know, and you always strive to do the just and right thing. Although your criticism seems hurtful at times, I know that you only mean it in my best interest. You can always make me laugh, no matter the circumstances and there is never a dull moment as long as you are in the room. I am, with no doubt, one of your biggest fans. I cannot wait to see what all lies in store for you.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family. My life would never have been the same without you all. I know what we all have a tendency to drive one another nuts at times, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Love,

Mere(sisis)

A Surprising Weekend.

This weekend turned out not at all like I tought it would have... and in a great way. Originally, I was just going to my nephew's birthday party, then spend the rest of it quietly at home, probably sorting through things and getting more organized. Well, I thought wrong.

I woke up Saturday, a little late I'll admit, but nothing too bad. I was getting there early anyway. Checked my e-mail and facebook via my phone (I don't have internet at home) and got a message from a friend that I haven't seen in a really, really long time. It was Brittany. Dear, dear sweet lovable Brittany. She invited me down that afternoon to the lake with her and her husband, Rickey (another lovable character).

Needless to say, I was stoked. Not only do I get to spend the early afternoon with my boys and the rest of my family (there might have been a little playful sibling bickering, it happens) (BTW Frannie, those little plastic balls hurt.), I was going to hang out the rest of the day with some more, pretty awesome people.

I get down there and its meal time. Yum, hot dogs for me. I hadn't had one since December. It was so good. Then it was time for a ride in the boat. I watched my awesome friend Rickey rule the wake with this water board, watched Brittany and another friend barrel roll off the tube, and then it was mine and Britt's turn for torture. And oh was it.

It was so much fun though. The last one that got us was huge, and I mean huge. We went at least five feet in the air, and on top of that, our bodies were at least a foot above the tube. Ahhh. Then we came crashing down. I hit my chin on the tube and have a giant bruise as a result. Britt slide right off the tube and into the water. Poor thing. She was so tired.

The best part... Rickey got it all on tape. I am going to try to get a copy of it. It was too funny!

Later that night, Britt shot off fireworks and then I crashed at their place where I was not the first one to fall asleep. Ha!

The next day we went to Britt's family celebration for her grandfather's bday and then off to the ATL! I was, abruptly I might add, introduced to a whole new world. It was Monster Bash at the Drive in. There were a few cars that were really cool to be seen, but the real show (particularly in my opinion) was what the people there were wearing. It was like Halloween. Some of these people barely had anything on. I definitely felt like a sore thumb with what I was wearing. (Beach club, party of one) Oh, and then there was the women in the girl's restroom. She hogged the sink and mirror for ten minutes to reapply her makeup. The whole time she was talking about how oily her skin was and how we just didn't understand. There was a freaking line for the sink. Really? Britt and I looked at each other and we knew exactly was the other was thinking. We were ready to take her down. Haha, we were nice though and just kept politely rushing her.

I had a great time hanging out with everybody. I got to see Lin, and it has been forever dear. I got to see lots of other people too that I hadn't seen in a long too! It was great to just hang out, eat some hot dogs, indulge in a little alcohol and Popsicles. It was freaking hot and this guy actually had banana pudding Popsicles with real bananas and vanilla wafers in it. I was in love!

Then, when it was dark. It was time for a thriller classic. William Shatner in... Kingdom of Spiders. Ahhhhhhhh. It was actually a terrible movie and the only funny parts were when people were doing shadow puppets and that guy almost blew up a car shooting a firework off his tailgate. Where do these people come from.

I got home, needless to say, pretty darn late, but I am feeling fine. I got about four hours of sleep in. Tonight will probably be an early one though just to catch up.

Tranquility

The last couple of days I have to say that I have been in this unbelievable peaceful state. I have no real worries. I finished three projects this week without flipping out. I know that I should probably be looking for new places to live soon, but I am not panicked about that either. I have never really felt this way before. I stayed up until past midnight last night because I didn't feel like going to bed. Me, not feeling like going to bed. Bizzare.

It doesn't matter where I am, this peaceful cloud just follows me. Trust me, I'm not complaining, I just don't know how to understand it. It may sound strange, but I think that it is having an effect on the cat too. He is crying a lot less now than he use to. Now its only when he wants to be let out or is upset at my alarm clock.

Today I walked downtown for lunch and made record time. It wasn't that I was hurrying or anything, but my pace in life as quickened and when I walk, I don't realize it has much anymore.

This may sound strange, but you have to understand what an effect that car accident I had when I was 18 had on me. Every step that I took was a shock of pain. I hated walking, couldn't stand it. Even when I was in New York last year, I loved the fact that I was there, but the walking almost killed me.

Not anymore. I walk downtown just about everyday for one thing or another. Usually involving the bank or the courthouse, in heels no less. If I did that just four months ago, my feet would be shot for the rest of the day. Not now.

My whole life is changing and its fantastic. I have a whole new perspective on everything and I am reviewing the past with new eyes and embracing the future with the same. I'm not scared about my future anymore. I'm not worried about whether or not its all going to work out. All these greats things seem to be happening to me and I don't know if its because I am finally living life by my rules and terms.

I think that I project this image as well. People seem more comfortable around now. Strangers talk to me on the street or at the gym. Even a new friend that I have made since going there gave me a silly band. It is of course silly that I would really think anything of it, but it really did make me feel good that someone would be willing to be so nice and generous to me, even if it was just a piece of plastic.

Even just now, in a client meeting. They were so appreciative and kind. Complimented my necklace, said how nice it was for me to be helping them, etc.

Life is just good right now.

Memorial Weekend

This past weekend was so much fun, I still can't believe that it is over. It just flew by. My friend Sarah N. came into town Friday night. We had dinner with Mel at our favorite local sushi venue. YUM! Then it was off to see from old friends of hers that had recently moved. I loved their new place, and if I could move in, I would. They just don't accommodate single renters anymore.

Anyway, some how we got talked into going downtown for a bit. We said that we would only stay for a few (hmmm, where have I heard that before?). We started off at Firehouse where I saw some friendly faces. We stayed there for a really long time (had an absolute blast though, thanks to Hugh and Paul for their creative genuis). Last stop of the night was 80's. Can you believe that I have lived in this town for three years and have never been to 80's. It was sooooo much fun! They played all my old favorites and Sarah N. and I danced the entire time. (I am happy to report that no one hit the floor that night).

Saturday morning we slept in until someone's alarm woke me up. It didn't belong to the two people in my room, so you figure it out. We got up (about 8:30ish) and began our true blood marathon of season 2. I had already seen them, but Sarah N. needed to catch up since the new season is on its way. It was so funny. At the end of every episode she would tell me what she thought was going on and who was responsible for what and what the outcome of it all would be. I am not telling her a single solitary thing. She will just have to wait it out and see for herself.

After our lazy day in bed, although we did make a trip to Chick-fil-a for breakfast, we were ready for the pool. Thanks to Mel for letting us sneak in. We are so clever. I know the code to the gate, so I parked in the residential area and we walked up to the pool like we lived there. There weren't many people there so they wouldn't have minded. Although, that one older gent had some fun laughing at us. The water was pretty cold and I am still nursing my sunburn injury from two weekends ago. Its officially a second degree burn and it bleeds on occasion. YUCK! I know (vomit). It is getting better though.

After a nice and relaxing time at the pool (and without further injury to myself) we went out for dinner. Mexican and Pina Colada's my friends. Thanks to Andrea for recommending such a great place, particularly since Sarah N. is so freaking picky!

Sunday Morning, its off to the lake! I saw my cousins that I haven't seen in two years. I battled tubed with Sarah N. (I took it easy on her since it was her first time). I won of course. Then I battled with my little cousin who is about 9. He won because he is so little and he just flies everywhere and hardly feels the bumps, while I hit every one. The one that finally knocked me off was absolutely mammoth.

(This is not actually me, but it was about that high. EEK!)

Everyone thought that I had gotten seriously injured because I flew off backwards and with my feet over my head. It really didn't hurt though. I even escaped from getting water in my mouth or up my nose. The next time that I rode was with Sarah N. and I on the same tube. We crashed twice. Mainly due to the fact that she had never done it before and had no idea how to lean into the turns. I told her you just have to feel it. There is no real way to explain it. You just do it. Finally she got it, although we weren't going very fast. Next time though, she will have no excuse.

To end the day we took a pleasure cruise down into the smaller coves of the lake. One spot had three rope swings hanging from the trees with platforms to climb onto. My little cousin had been dying all day to do it, so he jumped off the boat and went for it. I didn't want him to go alone, so I dove off the boat to follow. When I came up, apparently from the force of the water, the little plastic hook that kept my halter top together broke. Oops. This shall be interesting. I threw the rope to my cousin, watched him fall into the water and then it was my turn. I could climb as high as I wanted to. Basically in shear fear that I would end up flashing my entire family. I swung out and then swam back to the boat. When I got up, Sarah N. looked at me and said, "Who are you?"


I am happy that I have finally become that fun, thrill seeker again. I branched out a little last year with the City Museum in St. Louis, but that had been the most adventurous I had been in a long time. Sad I know.


Finally, it was time to drive back home. It was a long one at that. I was so tired and Sarah N. had fallen asleep next to me and the fact that it was raining didn't help much either. We made it back though, safe and sound. Showered off and passed out. What a great time. We sleep for 10 plus hours too! That never happens. I am still beat and I am sporting some pretty unsightly battle scars, but they will heal and eventually my neck will stop hurting.


What a great time. My favorite quote of the whole weekend though would have to this one from Sarah N. "I have never seen you in color before, you look good."