See, what had happened was...

My infamous intro. This morning, I was most pleased when I stepped on the dreaded scale. Normally, around this time of year, I am packing on the pounds. I really thought that I was in for it when I went to DC, especially seeing as we were hitting every fast food joint up I-95.

Well, I have in fact, lost an additional 3 pounds. Which means that I am only two pounds away from my new goal that I set a few months back. However, since I have yet to gain the muscle mass/tone that I wanted, I am again lowering my goal. Only by five pounds. Any more and I will look anorexic. Therefore, I am now heading for 130. I figured that way I can afford to gain a few pounds of muscle and get back up to 135. 


Taken this weekend at the gala.

And, do not despair dearest family, at that point I will begin maintenance mode. I am just so excited though that the end is in sight. Furthermore, that finals are soon and the new year will be here before you know it. I can't wait.

Although, I am faced with one downer at the moment and I wish him all the best of luck. My youngest nephew faces surgery to repair a broken arm. The poor little can't catch a break. My heart goes out to him, my sis (don't fret too much, he probably won't remember any of this later in life), my BIL and my oldest nephew, as this can't be easy on any of them. Love you guys and miss you bunches!


My adorable nephew who seems to never be happy.

Is it Nap Time Yet?

Its Monday all right. Even though we got back in town by 10:00 pm, with not leaving until 10 and having a break down, we did make good time. I am still beat worn slap out though. It was painful to get up this morning.

Now I am just having to prepare for the week's upcoming events, that and the countdown to Christmas. I am ashamed to say that I have not even started on my shopping. I have some ideas, but that's about it. Furthermore, I have my annual get together this weekend, the big test the following weekend (which I haven't even studied for...eek!) Frannie's holiday party the same day, and I am now dizzy from thinking out and about to pass out. Just kidding.

It is a little overwhelming though when you lay it all out on the table. I also have to get new clothes soon as the ones that Sarah S. and I purchased together no longer fit. When I was at the gala this weekend, I got lots of comments like, "I didn't even recognize you," or "Are you eating?" I will say that some may have been slightly warranted considering that the top (the one from high school that I got so excited about) I had taken in two full inches. When I actually wore it this weekend, it still didn't fit. At this rate, I will shrink to non-existence.

Never ending car ride

Well, its the day after the Day of Thanks. I started this morning off at 6:30. No, not to hit the stores to beat the other crazy people for deals and steals, but to pack and begin the infamous road trip. That's right, even as I type this, I am sitting in the back of my car, as there was a mutiny. Not that I really care, I've gotten lots of sleep, and I did drive the first leg into South Carolina, but I haven't gotten behind the wheel since then.

As of now, it is approximately 7:00 PM and we are about 20 miles out of our final destination. Geez.

Another down side of being skinny...er, is that I have found that I cannot sit in the car as well nor for as long as I use to. My bum is officically flat and numb.

I just hope that we get there soon. I cannot wait to tour the city of Washington, DC with my brothers. We may even try to make it over the Ford's Theater. Super excited.

But, right now, I just want to get out of this car!

Turkey Day Cards?

I had no idea that people made nor sent Thanksgiving Day cards...until I bought one. I was on the phone about a week ago talking to an old friend. Old in the sense that I have known him since I was 16 and the fact that he is...old. He is my ex's father, the ex from college that is. I was friends with his entire family for years before I met and started dating him.

Anyway, we were just shooting the breeze and I told him all about my new place and how much I love it out there and how peaceful and quiet it is, but still not too far away from town. He then asked that I send him my new address. "Okay, I can give it to you right now." No, he wanted a card, so that he could save it somewhere. "Just send me a Thanksgiving Card."

"Do they even make those?"

Well, yes apparently they do. So, I sent him one and wished him a most joyous and heartwarming Thanksgiving imaginable. And, since this will be the last post til after the festive fest, I wish you all one as well.

Happy Turkey Day!

Training Assessment

Well, it was that time again last night. My three month assessment. I was scared to see what the results were. I stood there, patiently, as he grabbed hold on my skin and measured, and it even hurt when he grabbed my leg, as there wasn't much to grab. He felt bad and apologized. I will probably have a bruise later too.

Anyway, I watched as he plugged the numbers into the computer and waited for the screen to pop up with the chart. Although still drastic, the slope was not nearly as steep as last time. I also feel as though I have not been pushing myself as much as I should be. So, I have decided that I need to start running again, that is when I really felt like something was happening. Plus, I think that my body has gotten use to the whole cycling thing and it doesn't really do anything anymore. So, time to switch it up. You are suppose to work out in intervals anyway, right?

My Own Looking Glass...

I recently was unpacking and setting up my home office. The majority of those things had been packed since February, so needless to say, I wasn't sure what all I would find in there.

To my utmost surprise, I found a CD that had things I never knew existed. I started to search it, believing that it held only one thing, pictures from my trip to NYC. Well, it had a lot more than that. It reminded me of a conversation that Sarah N. and I had recently.

We were at dinner and reminiscing the past. The party next to us included an extremely pregnant woman there for her eggplant no less. It made us think about our friend Ben. We were trying to guess how old his daughter was now. Sarah said one, and I refused to believe it, thinking she was much older. "It seems like forever ago that she was born."

"Remember last year at the holiday party? Mary was still pregnant. She isn't even one yet." Then, Sarah, being uncharacteristically insightful, said, "It just seems like forever for you because of what all you have done this year."



She was right. This year has seemed like four to me. And that is where this story picks up. As I was going through the CD, picture after picture, some I could remember having them taken, others I could not place when or where I was.

 And, although I know that it is impossible for any of those pictures to have been any more than two years old, it seems like a life time ago, or even a different life. Looking at those pictures was like stepping through a mirror and witnessing an alternate life of mine. What would have been, rather than what was.

    

I still have a hard time believing that I was that big. In fact, one photo that I viewed happened to be me wearing the same outfit that I was. Like a strange episode the Twilight Zone, I looked in amazement at how the clothes barely fit me then, and how they still barely fit me, but in the opposite sense. 

So many, and which I refuse to post, were of me sleeping or in my bed reading. Why was I so lethargic? Why hadn't anyone said anything to me sooner?

 





 Then I saw one series of pictures and immediately began busting out laughing. I remember the incident like a movie in my head. It was a series of pictures of a squirrel, a squirrel which he was chasing and captured every second of it, even the retreat up the tree.  



It was fun and odd to be looking back. Like I said, I have a hard time remembering those incidences that are now forever captured and stored on a little sliver plastic disc.   

  

 

  



Your guess is as good as mine.

Blog Hiatus

I know that I have been slacking lately in the posting, but life is just soooo busy right now.

This weekend, I had a birthday party with Mel (we had a blast btw). We had dinner at Speakeasy, bounced about town, and then Jordan, his girlfriend, Mel and I threw our best moves down at 8Es.

Interesting side story. Jordan is the sibling of Joy, there are four siblings in total, all with "J" names. Jordan went to high school with Sarah S. and he then later met Sarah N., and me when I turned 21. Thennnnn... Joy was friends with my ex because she was dating his friend Tamar at the time, who was also friends with Mel and Lin, therefore creating this big huge loop of how we all know the notorious "J's." Life's little quirks, huh?

Then, at dinner, I arrived slightly late, and when I got there, I sat down in front of someone who looked especially familiar. She said the same. I thought, and thought, and then it hit me. The night that I was Sarah S.'s wing woman, the night before my vaca to Florida, this girl was winging for the guy that Sarah was interested in. We both looked at each other and it hit at the same time. "Bing!"

Anyway, Saturday morning was spent on the sofa, watching my favorite childhood movie, The Princess Bride. Then I was off to the big ATL for a little debautury with Sarah N. which resulted in my temporary loss of hearing and the constant ringing in my head. "Somebody answer the damn phone!"

Then Sunday morning, it was more time on the couch, Sarah's though, and then off to get coffee with my surrogate sis Katie. Its funny, she is in town now, and we are leaving soon for DC. We are temporarily switching places. Anyway, we chatted it up for a good hour, laughing so hard that I actually cried.

Then I had to say my goodbyes and headed back to town for a title exam the following morning. Whoever said that the Clerk's office opens at 8:00 lied! They are in there, but the door was most certainly locked.

Now, I sit here, deciding which recipes to go with for Thanksgiving as it will be at my house. I found out that my family isn't coming until the morning of, which means that we are going to have to burn some rubber to get everything fixed in time, and have the chairs built and covered before its time to sit down. Either that, or it will be Thanksgiving Asian style (on the floor).

I'm already out of breath just thinking about what all needs to be done. Here's to hoping it all works out.

Its Just Stuff- Bill

This week has really flown by, and I mean that. Its seems like yesterday I was driving home from my parents. Eeek.

First and foremost, today is my mother's birthday, so...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!!!

Moving on. Now, this week has been a crazy one, let me tell you. Tuesday I finally got my hair cut (it was starting to get at that awkward stage where you didn't know what to do with it) and had dinner with Sarah S. We finally got to celebrate that thing. You know, the one that I mentioned ever so vaguely last week that I am continuing to remain vague on. We headed over to my favorite tapas place, with coupon in hand, and enjoyed our sangria.

While at dinner, I received a most disturbing phone call. It was from my neighbor, the one who use to live in my unit. Apparently the unit two doors down from mine had their water main bust. It flooded three other units as well. He asked if he could check my unit for damage, seeing as he is the agent and still has a key. I told him to stop talking to me and do it already.

Sarah and I sat there, in total silence, waiting for the phone to ring. (She loves my place too and is still jealous that I live there). Finally, a few minutes later, all is well. The water apparently stopped at my neighbors and ruined her brand new hard wood floors. My heart breaks for all those who experienced water damage. I poked my head in when I arrived home that night. ServePro was there and already tearing down his drywall. All his belongings were soaked. I couldn't believe how optimistic he was though. He told me that he had picked up vase that his grandson had made him and it completely crumbled in his hand. "He'll make another one though. Its just stuff."

He made me start thinking. If the same had happened to me, I would have been devastated. Mostly because my furniture is all antique and belonged to various family members, some of which I have never met. But, he was right. If I had lost those items, it doesn't change the fact that were are still family or the fact that I still love them, although they are now gone.

Its just stuff. I am going to try to apply that to my everyday life now... that is where applicable.

I do, however, want to capture more moments from now on. In light of the fact my family will be spending Thanksgiving at my place, I purchased something rather unique. I wanted to make sure that I took photos of everyone together, especially when we start decorating the tree together. Those are moments that I am going to want to freeze in time.

So, I bought this little beauty. Don't worry, I did my research and have already purchased the correct film for it and found out that a camera shop in town will develop the rolls and place on a disc for me for about nine bucks. Can't wait.

Intervention of Fate

As I had said in Monday's post about my parents wanting me to take it easy, I now have no choice. I registered for my very last class at ATC. It just so happens that the class is during the exact time of my spin class. So, for three months, I am going to have to find some sort of alternative. I just don't know what would be comparable in intensity and difficulty.

My friends say that I should take it as a sign that I am done and just need to maintain what I have accomplished. My problem is that I am addicted though. I am addicted to exercise. If I don't for a while, my muscles actually start to hurt and I can feel myself getting lethargic again. Nope, na ha, not going to happen.

I may just finally make myself purchase running pants, warm running pants, and start doing that again. Either that or finally fix the tire on m bike. Either one.

Reason 197 Why My Cat is AWESOME

My cat has GPS.

I first got this ball of hilarity in January of this year. His previous owner was a vet student and could no longer keep him as she was bringing her dogs to her new place and was sure that they would not mix. So, she carted him over and stayed for a few minutes, explained how to properly apply his flee medicine and then left.

He cried and cried. The next morning he woke at 5 am and cried, and cried, and cried. I was ready to kill the little guy, but could empathize that he was scared and didn't know what was going on. Finally, after having listened to him for two hours, I got out of bed and was getting ready. As I was walking out of the door for work, Mo decided that he would too. He ran right out and into the woods behind my house. Didn't have him for more than 12 hours before he flew the coop.

Well, Home Again was called and notified of his escape. The vet student was notified, and I went out to her place during lunch to see if maybe he tried to find his way back to her. For a straight week people had been searching for him.

Then, one night, on my way to pick up Matt from work. I was coming up to the bridge when a small animal ran in front of my car. I could have sworn that it was Mo, and that there was no way that it had gotten away in time. I cried the entire way there and back. He had to drive back and to humor me drove over the bridge numerous times to see if there was an animal on the side of the road.

Later that night, while in the garage (which the door had been cracked that whole week) Mo came running in for some food. Not wanting to freak him out, Matt pulled the cord on the garage opener and manually closed it so that he could run off again. I was so relieved that he was okay and had come back.

Well, when I moved a few weeks ago, I was concerned that he would stage yet another escape. I knew that I would have to let him outside, seeing as he hates the litter box and will sit at the door and cry until you let him out to use the restroom...or dirt.

He did fine though. I suppose that it was easier for him in light of the fact that it was just a new place he was getting use to and not new people in addition to it. He loves it out there and will be waiting in the flower bed next to where I park my car every day for me to come home.

This weekend was the first that I had been gone overnight since moving. I didn't think that it would be a problem seeing has his transition went smoothly. I put his food out and made sure that he had lots of water, and thought all would be fine until I returned the next day. When I got home Sunday night, he was no where to be found. Not a problem, he has been gone overnight before himself. But, it was after the fact that he didn't come home last night that had me worried. The last two nights in a row I would have the blinds on the window up so that if he were to come up I could see him. Each night, I passed out on the sofa waiting for him to poke his little face up against the glass. And, each night I would wake up at 3 am to find that he hadn't.

Finally, this morning, I got up early, walked around the complex, in the rain, through the woods and nothing. My final, and last ditch effort, I got into my car and drove over to the old neighborhood. I pulled up to my old house and the second that I got out of the car, there he was running up to me. I scooped him up and brought him home. Without missing a beat, he walked in and ran for the food and then laid on the sofa for a nap.

How did he know how to get back to the old house? He must have thought that was where I had gone and was coming to get me. Either that, or I am allowing my kitty parent brain run away with me. But, you have to admit, that is pretty cool that he is so aware of his surroundings and can remember that well. I am sure that if I had waited until this evening to go looking for him, he would probably have been waiting on the front porch for me when I got home.

Absolutely Amazing

I was visiting my folks this weekend and to celebrate the monkey butt's birthday (21st woot!), and somehow allowed my brothers to talk me into going to DC with them to Annual SAR Potomac Gala. So, in a few weeks time, it will be me and my two brothers road tripping to DC. That spells only one thing...t-r-o-u-b-l-e. We always have a great time together, and usually leave quite a wake too! I'm thoroughly excited though. I haven't been to DC in probably 2 years, and this will be my second vaca this year. Woot again.

While we were talking about what all we needed to do to prepare for this, Kev and I dove into my old room and dug out some of my old formals. Yeah, none of them fit, some, it was so obvious that there was no point in even thinking about it, unless you just really needed a laugh. Finally, I found one that I though might fit. I pulled it out and threw it on. Believe it or not, it was still too big. This dress I have not worn since I was a senior in high school. You read that right...HIGH SCHOOL. I have to get it taken in an inch on both sides. My parents freaked when they saw it on me. Although happy for the fact that I have lost so much weight and have completely turned my life around... they begged me throughout dinner to go into maintenance mode.

I explained to them that I have a few more pounds to shed and some muscles to gain, but that the journey was soon over. My mother went into overly protective mode this weekend as well. In fact, before she would let me leave to come home, she made me eat something, afraid that I would get sick on the way.

Mama, I love you, but stop "smothering." I am being careful, and I know that I am not eating as much as I should and I am prepared to purchase some protein powder to make shakes to insure that I make up for it.

Now, do not think that I have become anorexic, because I haven't. I just physically cannot eat as much as I use to, and I don't think to eat because I am never hungry. Strange huh?

Dx: Senioritis

As of yesterday, I registered for my last quarter at ATC. That's it, Civil Lit and my internship. I have a measly four months left. I cannot wait to be finished and actually have some spare time... for a minute.

I remember way back when in March when I set out my course of "the plan." I cannot believe that the first leg is nearing its end. Furthermore, that step two is exactly a month away, and once its over, its over.

Time has really surprised me at how fast its flown by. I mean, think about it, its crazy! Seven months ago, I laid down the course for the next five years of my life, moved, lost 45 pounds, gone through three wardrobes, gotten fantastic news at work (which I'm sure you can only guess what it was), all in seven months. SEVEN MONTHS! Most can't do that in a year.

Now you may be able to understand my senioritis. Really it kicked in last quarter, but now its in full swing. I am a little freaked out that there is only four weeks left of this quarter, and I still have so much to do. I have a paper to write (worth 60% of my final grade for Office Management), two more projects for Real Estate including a title exam and settlement agreement, and three more tests in precal. I am freaked out by what all I have to do, but at the same time lack the motivation to get a move on. How does that work? Only me I guess.

Call me P.I.

This morning while I was walking to my car, my neighbor, the one who cooks me all the wonderful goodies, caught me and gave the most delicious home made ginger snap I have ever had. It was huge! The size of a pancake.

Anyway, I stood there for a good bit just shooting the breeze with her, forgetting that I was now officially running late for real estate, and the whole time, all I could think about was the fact that I could not remember her name. Sarah and I had been battling over what it was for a while (well, at least a week anyhow).

After coming, late, and meekishly (word?) finding an open seat, I sat there in class. Half listening to the professor, trying to think of ways to find out what my amazing neighbor's name was. I had already asked the guy who lived in the unit prior to me, but he had no idea either. Grrr.

Then, a stroke of brilliance hit. We were talking about real estate closings and taxes...and I immediately though, tax assessors office! Of course. I know her address, she lives next to me, durh. All I had to do was enter the information and see what came up. Tada!

And, just so that it is here in writing... I was right! Sarah, her name is Melanie. Aha.

While I was on there, just for fun, I also looked up my unit. Eek! Its expensive and I officially have 1224 square feet to prance about. My landlady is also the original owner of the unit once it had been converted into a loft from the factory. I love knowing those little factoids.

Now, who else can I look up?

Reinforced Steel

When my mom was up last, she and I sat down by the river and had a nice, long chat. Mainly about how happy she was that I had finally moved and was able to shake that cloud hovering over my head. She knew just as well as I did that the house served only as my prison, and I needed escaping.

She then told me that one thing good did come from all of this, that I was a much stronger person now than I was two years, or even ten months, ago.

My family has always called me the "Rock." Meaning that whenever there was a problem, they knew that they could count on the fact that I could hold things together. When my sister died, that's really when my strength was first noticed. I was fifteen.

That is how I got the nickname in high school of "heartless monster." I didn't let the stupid, little, petty things get to me. I didn't have time to waste on "high school drama."

Well, I started thinking about what my mother had said, and I was wondering if what she was talking about was really strength or cynicism. Had I become a stronger person than the already solid rock that I was, or did I just take on a new perspective of the world? Am I stronger, or just a cynic?

This question remains unanswered for now. However, I am hoping that I can conclude that I am the former.

Bruise Fairy Strikes Again

Granted, I knew that I was bound to be more "bony" once the weight really started coming off, but I had no idea to this extent. Unfortunately, due to my native heritage, large, bony hips just come with the package. No escape, none what so ever.

Lately, I have started getting this unexplained bruises again, on my ankles (I suspect shoes as the culprits) and on my knees (perhaps cycling). However, I never thought that I would get them on my hips, nor that sleeping would prove to be painful. I noticed it more particularly last night than anything.

I was watching a movie as I fell asleep and could not get comfortable lying on my side, which is my preferred position. My hip just kept jamming into my absolutely "stiff as a board" mattress (which I love for my bad back). When I woke this morning, my sides were really hurting and I could see where a new bruise was forming. No me gusta!

I may be investing in a pillow top soon, either that or just learn to sleep on my back and/or stomach.

Perhaps I need to also set up a camera and catch this bat wielding fairy on tape. Then people will believe me!

A Bit Pompous

I was telling Sarah when she was over earlier this week that I was feeling a bit snooty/pompous and quiet grown up.

There we were sitting in my loft about to enjoy a meal that we created which I bought the ingredients for from Earth Fare. I have been eating organic for the better part of the year, but that was the first time that I had a shopping spree at the healthy supermarket (per their logo).

Everyday I come home to the sound of a roaring river, fall asleep in my fourposter, complete with curtains, and every morning place my slender toes down on my hard wood floors.

Although I am still that cute/adorable/lovable person that you all know, I can't help but feel that my lot in life right now is pretty perfect. I'm 25, I live alone, and I love it!

I have fantastic neighbors that when ever we pass, there are always stop and chats. My cat (who thinks that he is a dog by the way) takes walks with me out there, and I love that I can just sit and look out and the wonders of nature.

When I left Five Points the other night, I was thinking about how much I love that part of town. Particularly the buzz and night life surrounding Yoforia. Sarah and I have yet to make a date to the new pub, but we are planning on it.

Weekend Circus

First blog in a while, I know, but it took a while to recuperate from these last few weeks of craziness. This whole moving thing has got be the worst thing that I have ever personally done to myself. Why, oh why didn't I hire a moving service? All right, we already know the answer to that question...I'm cheap.

Friday, I took off work and woke at the crack of dawn, actually, it was an hour before dawn to head over and finally get my keys. I patiently waited in the parking lot for the agent to emerge from his unit to walk his dog. Finally, I had the keys in my hand and I was already making trip, after trip, after trip, carrying the assorted belongings of mine that I had compacted into my tiny car. After unloading everything, I then spent the next hour putting things away and single handedly putting my bed together. Only a few mishaps, but within 30 minutes I had a fully assembled fourposter.

Doesn't that look delicious?

That day, I must have made more than thirty trips, back and forth. Sarah S. accompanied me for the last 10. During that time, one of my neighbors poked her head in and asked me if I had any special diet restrictions. When I replied "No," she shouted out, "Thank God!" She then further explained to me that she had a loaf of bread in her machine and was going to half it with me because she and her husband would never be able to devour it in time.

Pleased that I had made a friend so quickly, I thanked her profusely when she carted the package over. It was so cute lying on parchment paper and boy was it delicious.

Finally calling it quits around 9, I prepared myself for the next day's adventure.

This load almost toppled out of the truck

That morning, I again packed my car to max capacity and patiently awaited the arrival of Jacki (with her truck) and Sarah and Ben. Once all parties were assembled, we grabbed hold of my large furniture items and loaded them up. Most of the time it consisted of Ben on one side with Sarah and I holding the other and Jacki directing us. I was most pleased when we had finished, particularly with the washer and dryer, just a few minutes after noon.

Then, it was time for Sarah N. and I to attack the mess that was lurking in my new place. You literally couldn't take more than two steps together. Close to 6, we had successfully unpacked all the boxes, made my bed, attacked the bathroom, and arranged a living room. What a piece of mind.

I am still in the process of arranging things, and waiting for my folks to come and get the wicker furniture that is currently pushed into one corner. Once that is done, I will finally feel at home.

I must say that it is amazing to come home everyday to the sound of a roaring river and enter my enormous loft. I absolutely love it and cannot believe my luck...still.

This is my actual view

Last night, after devouring out amazing creation, Sarah S. and I were finishing up the rock bath mat when my neighbor brought me over some molten chocolate brownies. I love her! Just keep it coming Mel, just keep it coming. (Note: this is not the same Mel that I blog about frequently. Although, I do love them both.)