I'm high.

Off of a deal.

I just went to Target (where I spend many a lunch hour.) I just purchsed some Christmas Decorations, 2 rubbermaid ornament boxes, and enough gift bags and boxes and tissure paper for probably 2 years. All of this... for $49. OH, and I also got a fabulous decorative table cloth.

I love a deal.

I love that I have planned ahead. That is a lot of money that I will be saving over the next few years. I basically just saved like $100 over a 2 year process. That is an approximation, of course.

What I am saying is go to your unpopulated Target. You know, the one you go to because you KNOW that they'll have whatever item you're looking for and stock up!! Now. Don't delay.

It will change your world.

You know you live in Austin when...

a lingerie store advertises itself as the only "green" lingerie store in Austin.

Yes, people, we are THAT concerned with the environment.

We're a good city who is environmentally conscious. Just visit tabu lingerie in it's new location just beside American Apparel or by Chili's.

I'm not dying.

I'm quite well. I just have ALLLLLL of my yearly appointments all right together. And, I bring them up because of the stupidity that happens at doctors offices.

So there. healthy. Happy.

Gearing up for the holidays. I would like to say I'm excited because I honestly am. I'm just not excited about the mass amount of travel that it takes. We will drive up sometime tomorrow evening. Have Christmas eve with Ben's family, Christmas day with my family, go back to Ben's house on Saturday because his parents are having an "open house"?, and then back to my parents house so we can go to church with them on Sunday and then drive back to Austin. Fun? No. Our parents live an hour apart. This is a lot of packing and unpacking and repacking and then sitting in the car. I love our families, do not get me wrong, but one day maybe they could move further apart and we would only see one of them? Or, maybe SOMEDAY we'll have a holiday at our house and they will come to us and I don't have to get in a car one time (except when I have to leave the crazy.)

Dr. appointment alert--I'm going to the dentist today. I had a cavity filled a month or 2 or 3 ago (not sure?) a while ago... and it's been kind of sensitive and when I floss it feels like it could come out and I can't chew very well on it. They can get me in today and today only. Though my dentist is very nice and I really like his assistant I would still rather go to my "yearly exam" than go to the dentist.Yes, I probably just broke some sort of female code, but it's true. Get over it.

Speaking of... apparently there is a PSA on right now and it is suggesting that for Christmas you should get your wife/significant other an appointment for a pap smear... because Santa doesn't bring that. Um...
1. Do not make my appointments.
2. How unromantic.
3. That means that we are going to put your feet up on the little holiday inspired socks and probe you.
4. WTF? What do you get to unwrap with that one? a really long qtip?

I should end that because it's just darn weird.

And this my friends... is where I find myself today. Wondering when I'm going to make my refried beans, mexican rice, dinner for tonight, cookies, clean my house, finish laundry... oh yah, and actually buy the groceries to do all of those things.

Cookies

Someone brought these cookies to work today and they are FABULOUS and EASY to make. I plan on making them for the holidays!

Engaged!

Have you ever had someone get engaged and you were SUPER excited about it? Like, you feel as if YOU got engaged? Ok, maybe it's not that serious (and lets be honest, most of the time when ANY of my close friends get engaged I get silly about it.) However, this one is HUGE. One of my BFF's got engaged yesterday, December 17. Which is also the same day I got engaged 6 years ago... and the same day that Ben's bff got engaged 3 years ago. Pretty popular date. It must mean that the stars aligned or other some sort of shenanigans.

So, I went to the doc and then checked my phone and had 2 missed calls from said friend but no messages. I then check my email and have an email with nothing in the body, but the subject is "Answer your phone, bitch." This tipped me off a bit. Though, I will not lie, my first thought was that everything moved in like 24 hours and she bought a house (offer has already been accepted.) Then... I thought some more and figured she'd leave a message for that. So, I call her back. No answer. Call her back. No answer. (This is where, should it be my parents, I begin alternating different phone lines and stalker calling. mom cell-house line--mom cell--dad cell--house line--sister "have you heard from our parentals?) But as we are a younger generation I only have one option. She calls me back. We're talking and then I get called back for a lab. DAMN IT. I have to let her go and then immediately tell the lab person ALL about how my friend got engaged, and I thought it was the house, and so excited bla bla bla.

Luckily, lab person was a little on the nutty end so all was well and she seemed excitable, too. Or at least, just crazy enough to not put "crazy" on my file. Which is always what I'm going for.

SO YAY!!!! Is it wrong that I immediately start imagining a fall wedding. Michigan. apples everywhere. brown bridesmaid dresses. Her hair perfectly in a low pony tail with a flower in it vs. veil (could be because I watched The Hangover last night and the girls hair was like this... beautiful wedding--HILARIOUS movie.) It will be perfect. Classic.

I want to get married again and do it all differently. Or... I want to go to Greece in 2011. Ok, that's already on the books and I'll choose that over getting married again. I will take a right hand ring as a substitute.

Have you ever?

Have you ever gotten dressed for work, knowing that you aren't looking your best, but you still think you look kind of cute? Then, you go to work and sit at your desk looking into a window where you can see your reflection and you realize... no, cute wasn't the word for what I look like. No, more tragic and tired.

And this my friends... is where I find myself today.

Great attempts...

I make lists. I'm a list maker. If I'm going out of town I make a list of items to pack and then slowly mark through them. I make a list of things to do on Monday of every week (and occasionally add thigns I've already done, but forgot to put on the list JUST so I can check them off.) This year I have made a file that has everyone whom we are purchasing for, what we are getting them, if it has been purchased and the general cost of said gift.

Why oh why in my love of organization except please do not look at my closet because it is absolutely NOT organized and barely walkable, do I not purchase gifts THROUGHOUT the year instead of all in one month. I mean, we go about our lives, living normally, payin our bills and then wham... I need to purchase gifts for 13 people. Um, that is an expense that is not typically planned for. Enter STRESS. Hello, financial stress, my old friend. Lovely to see you. I'd really like to stop meeting you this way.

Maybe this year I'll be on top of things. Maybe in 2010 I will buy one gift a month or some other sort of nonsense. Maybe this will be my new year's resolution.

It's hard to say....

SO last night I had a surprise date planned for one Ben Black. Back in 1998, when we first started dating, Sister Hazel was quite the big deal. Listening to that cd just takes me back to summertime romance and dancing in the car with my bff. Anyway, Ben and I have both attempted to see them many times--once I was actually ON MY WAY to the concert and then there was an accident and I didn't get to go. (This just triggers some resentment left from high school annoyances.)

Anywho, so I heard an add for the show, bought tickets, made sure there were going to be no accidents or explosions. Safe.

As probably stated previously--I enjoy a good nights rest. I like to wind down, get in bed, read, and pass out by about 10:30 or 11 most nights. However, because I'm an amazing wife and all about sacrifices, I went out... on a WEEK NIGHT. The concert said it started at 8:30.

Negative.

9:30 rolls around and the opening band (which was pretty superb,) starts their first song. I really enjoyed him. Then there was about a 30 minute break between the shows... which means the show wasn't over until MIDNIGHT. My bewitching hour! Luckily, I did not lose all sense of graces and run into people over and over (thank you purple purse lady), dance like I was on crack (you scare me older crazy woman), or wear a tiny side top hat and very small black dress (I hope you do hair for a living.)

It was a lovely (late) night. I enjoyed spending time with the hubs. I'm looking forward to an early evening tonight.

Cheeky (chee-kee)

SO, when I pass on or if you write a book about your life and feel the need to include me I would like the term "cheeky" to be used to describe me.

For some of you, you make think you would absolutely not want to be called that. Maybe it's my fascination with the British lingo, but I think it sounds endearing and full of personality.

You can also describe me as brilliant.

I'm sure I did awesome things this weekend...

But I can't seem to recall enough to blog about. I'm sure someone, somewhere, annoyed me and I consciously thought, "I'm totally going to make fun of you in a public sphere that you'll never know about." But I can't remember.

What I do know is that the holiday shirt continues. Today, red with a sparkly sequin encrusted snow flake.

Maybe I was mesmerized that the tragedy continues? Maybe my weekend was lame? One can never be sure.

Mrs. Claus

Oh the holiday sweater. Clearly these women are at a party in which they were to wear ugly holiday attire. (I can tell this by the fact that their eyes are glowing red which is a clear indicator of intoxication.)

(And the fact that the woman on the left could be wearing testicles as earrings.)

Granted, it is only December 4, but a woman in my office has worn a holiday shirt everyday of December so far. I'm wondering... does she have one for everyday? Will she double up? Is that an ugly sweater/shirt faux paux? Are these items that you collect over the years? Does that mean you started collecting them like 25 years ago? Did you, at one time, teach elementary school? The questions are endless really. Or, you could ask the one, all encompassing question of, "WHY?"

Today said shirt is a red button up. It resembles the shape of a men's dress shirt. It is also paired with some jeans that are too short, tapered, and now resemble an acid washed color, and clogs. I haven't checked out the socks. I'm wondering if they are also donned with a Santa or Christmas lights. TBD.

For a season that I love so much... I am perplexed by your attire.

What is this? December?

I have cold feet today--because it's COLD. Yes, somehow the Austin temp went from mid-70's to 50's over night. AND it is projected that it will SNOW on Friday!!! Ps. For those of you who are not from the south--you know, from places with seasons other than hot and cool--you do not want to drive in Texas when it is snowing/icing/raining. Basically, if there is precipitation falling from the sky we lose the ability to drive.

It's seriously not safe, ya'll.

Because we are aware of our inability to traverse in slush (because it doesn't REALLY snow) we often close down work/grocery stores/everything. Basically you must rely on canned goods because this could be the end of times. You know... like when it turned 2000 and you needed your generator, canned beans and a prayer. I'll probably just stick with prayers and a toasty house. Or a toasty house and a lot of day time tv. TBD.

In other news... at the docs office this morning I got asked about my "drug use." (which is none, ps.) I got asked if I used crack or cocaine. I didn't know that they were different things until I had a (presumed drug free) friend tell me crack is actually free based cocaine which makes it more potent in smaller amounts, but has a shorter high. GTK. So next time you're on the streets and looking to score (do you smoke that? inject it? My Law and Order knowledge is not helping me out here) you should ask which one they are offering?

That's dope...No?

30 days has November...

This month I participated in the NoBloPoMo test. The goal was to blog everyday for the month of November. I'll tell you right now... I failed. Perhaps I'll get some "make-up" posts done later today? I'm not sure that those will count, but they would at least get me to 30.

Hmmm news news news November... tbd.

Thanksgiving was fabulous. I spent a lot of time loving on my adorable nephew. He's basically the cutest baby ever. I'm sure you're all... wow, you're biased. Here is the truth. He IS the cutest baby ever--just ask my mom should you need confirmation. I spent a lot of time doing a lotta nothin'. Sad to say, but on Friday I didn't event venture outside or to the shower. I count that as a successful nothing day.

This weekend I'm looking at POSSIBLY running for the first time since the dreaded marathon. We'll see how that motivation factor rises. I'm also thinking of joining the Y this week! YAY classes. I love a group workout. I'm also looking forward to participating in a bootcamp (at a reduced member rate. SCORESTOWN.) This week will also include a pot roast (slow cooked for 10 hours while I'm working), New Moon, Happy hour with TNT alums, hair coloring (thank you jebus), and maybe some Christmas shopping.

All in all--a good week.

My vitamin tried to kill me.

This morning I took my vitamin and literally gagged. Those things are supposed to make me healthy and there it is trying to kill me.

This is precisely why I should be eating Flintstones vitamins.

Why I'm too busy to blog.

Nephew time.

Dear Turkey Trotters,

Dear Turkey Trotters,

I know that this is billed as a "family event." I know that you are pretty poorly run for a race of 38,000 people. However, you should send notices to participants to be aware of their surroundings. I love babies. I do. I also love families. What I do not like is when a family of 5 and a gigantic jogger stops in the middle of the road and looks around for people. You are in my way. You are in the way of my running 10 feet. Walking. Avoiding walkers in jeans, purses, and uggs. And running 10 more feet.

So, if you could remedy this for next year that would be great.

Also, middle school and high school girls--i know that you really like to link arms and walk side by side, but when there are 8 of you, it is difficult for the rest of us to break through your wall of awkwardness.

However, I will end on a positive note... 3.1 miles, you are so much shorter and glorious than 26.2 miles. Me love you long time.

Thanks,

me

BBQ

So at work on Monday (wait, was that yesterday?) we had some amazing bbq brought in for the staff. There is TONS left over (2 full gallon bags--plus sides.) So, clearly, people intended to eat this for lunch again today. Someone apparently felt that there would be a mass consumption of said bbq before the lunchtime hour. So, said person created a plate, put a paper towel over it and hid it in a corner in the kitchen.

Really? Necessary? Really?

No. It isn't. (Just in case you were wondering.)

I'm scrappy.

I received an award from Jillie Side Up, Thanks Jill! Jill's blog is filled with life stories that will make you stop, sit a minute, and think. Then it will make you think about breakfast and everything in between.

Here are the rules.

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link it to their blog.
2. Share "10 honest things" about yourself.
3. Present this award to 7 other blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or who have encouraged you.
4. Tell those 7 people they have been awarded an Honest Scrap Award and inform them of the guidelines.

10 honest things about me

1. I did not shower today.
2. I used to eat ramen noodles--raw.
3. I have a scar on my left knee from a field day incident in 3rd grade. I won.
4. My competitive streak has decreased SUBSTANTIALLY since high school.
5. I wish there was voice transplant surgery. I desperately want to be a good singer.
6. I've been married almost 5 years.
7. If I mess up the order of the way I do things in the shower I inevitably forget to wash my hair.
8. For the last year I crave pizza once a week.
9. I do a very good job of pretending to be interested.
10. I wouldn't lock the doors to our house if it was up to me.

I nominate.....

1. Mrs. Preppy. She is lovely and glamorous... and has amazing eye lashes.

2. Nicolita. She's creative, obsessed with spray paint, and dramatically humorous.

3. Clever Girl Goes Blog. I find infinite wisdom and snark here. It makes me laugh out loud.

4. Itty Bitty. Cuteness and hope abound at this site. It's full of inspiration and savings!

5. Momma Said there'd be days...I love when people have babies (cutely dressed ones at that) and don't lose themselves!

6. I hate so much. Visit Maxi... over at her pad. She will shock you, make you think and make you laugh... and probably talk about pee.

7. Emily Getting Married. Emily got married and it was fabulous. I added her because I want more updates.

I know this is not good...

not a good post that is. I'm trying to do my 30 days of November, but I'll be honest. I'm real tired right now and just got home from a board meeting about 3o minutes ago. I will say--I won an award from an awesome blogger. I'll reveal more about who she is and what IT is tomorrow.

Watch out.

Saturday-awesomeday.

Today was my first Saturday to not have to run in FOREVER. Our training is literally a 6 month event with our long runs being on Saturday. Today, I woke up and then laid in bed (thinking about how I had to use the facilities but didn't want to get up.) Finally got out of bed... went and got my hair trimmed, went to anthropologie (decided I couldn't buy anything), then went to a massage, got a burger and fries, and went to a friends house. Pretty thrilling!

I also have a coupon to Barnes and Noble so the real question of the day is...

What books are you reading/loving?

like a vampire in the sun.

It's finally somewhat cold here! However, cold and rainy was not what I was particularly looking for. I did find what I was looking for today. It is a right hand diamond ring. It's beautiful and perfect and at a store that is going out of business--therefore discounted. (It looks a little bit like this, only smaller and the diamonds don't go all the way around.)

Ben told me that I have sparkly fever.

It's true. I have a problem. I like things that sparkle. I want more. I want some for my ears. Some for my right hand. Maybe an anniversary ring at some point. (It IS 5 years in January.)

I do not base my worth off of my amount of sparkly jewelry. I am however drawn to most things that shine. Glitter was a staple in high school and college. I like shirts with sequins. I love a rhinestone. Vampires in the sun are dazzling.

So there. First step complete. I have a problem.

ANT (petite) model

I won't lie. I'm a little disappointed in last nights results. I've never watched this show except when I would have a loungy day on the couch and catch up on a marathon of old episodes so this was a big deal for me to watch this season currently.

Here are things I noticed.
1. Tyra is crazypants and a little gangsta and makes up words that aren't as good as my made up words and she uses poor grammar.
2. Should I have seen this show in the past I would note that at the ceremony at the end the girls never got to wear heals and I'm thinking this was to make them look a lot shorter.
3. Sundai. I would not have kept Sundai for her model or talking potential, but out of sympathy.
4. Is Nicole Asperger's or what?
5. She takes amazing photogs.
6. I kind of wish for a big ol' mop of hair.
7. I love Laura--even though she also uses awful grammar--she is both dyslexic and can castrate a cow, ya'll.
8. I love that Laura loves her grandma and that she makes her clothes.
9. I love that Laura doesn't look grossly thin.
10. I love her pictures.

Ben would also, I'm sure, want you to note that he also would have liked Laura to win.

This house is not divided. We watched a little ANTM followed by a Glee chaser. Life is complete.

I'm a user.

I'm a user of the DC. I was reading about it today and how bad/not bad it is for you--you know, because everyone has an opinion. There are so many stupid people on the internet. There are people saying that 3-4 sodas a day is no problem, and people who say that you "use" diet coke.

I find myself in neither category. I don't need a fix. I don't get the shakes, but I do enjoy a little caffeine in the mornings (and sometimes in the afternoons.) (and sometimes in my adult beverages.)

So one a day... what's the verdict? What's your vice?

why oh why

Do some people at doctors offices offer too much information. Please do not over share with me.

The race.

So I finished. An hour later than I did last year. And an hour and 20 minutes slower than I had planned. I was pretty disappointed in that. However, I raised $3200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I reached, actually surpassed my goal amount. I am 158% over my goal, and that is pretty awesome.

Also awesome? My friend who stayed with me the entire time. I would not have made it the entire 26.2 miles without her. Around mile 8 I knew that things weren't going well. I just didn't feel "right." Partly, my body, partly that I had been sick the week before, partly that it was 94% humidity and THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER! Not perfect race weather--general consensus.

I am thankful that I could do it. I am thankful for my cheerleaders (Ben, mom, dad, Courtney, Elliott, Megan, Scooter,Adine and Joe at the end, and my team...and ALL of those cheering on the sidelines.) Though I'm disappointed in my performance I'm encouraged by the fundraising--the money that goes to patients and to research for a cure for blood cancers. I cannot say enough about how amazing Team in Training really is. You should join. Become relentless for the cure. I promise that you will make new friends, hear amazing stories, and change your life.

Thank you to each of you who thought about us yesterday!

Ps.

I finished

Complete fear.

That's what I have going into this weekend. Fear, and the excitement of sleeping in a big hotel bed... which could outweigh the fear.

Sitting downstairs while my family is getting dressed... slow process.

Luckily, everytime my parents come visit they bring me shiz of mine that they no longer want. I say they have no memories... and no filter. My mom this time brought me things like--old shampoo, tights from my senior year of cheerleading, an old bra, an old formal purse etc etc. Ridiculous. She needs an intervention on throwing stuff away.

Reaction formation. Reaction formation. Reaction formation.

Glad the fam could come! My sister and nephew will be meeting us there tomorrow. Pictures to follow!

That's the power of pinesol, baby.

Also to note... because I have not showered, and I cleaned my house last night (mopped, vacced, swept, dusted, etc (not in that order) I smell slightly of cleaning products covered by burberry weekend.

Daaammmnnnn I'm cute.

Ok, not exactly my words this morning (as I somehow lost time tweezing my eye brows and didn't have time to shower.) I'm not working ALL day and will shower around 2 so it's ok... just go with it.

Anyway, I did get dressed and think, huh, I look kinda cute today. Then I gave one final glance in the mirror and saw a water spot on my shirt. Good thing I noticed, at least it will dry before I get to work.... negative. Turns out... not a water spot. Perhaps it is facewash. Either way, it's not going anywhere and it is directly...on my bauble.

Bonus to being me? I love jackets and am cold all the time. I have at least 3 jackets in the back seat of my car and at least 2 in my office (now 3 as I brought a blazer today.) You maybe thinking, wait... don't you live in South Texas where it has not really ventured below 75 and it's the middle of NOVEMBER?? (That was said with extreme loudness as I am highly annoyed with this weather that some call perfect, and I call interrupting my jacket wearing ability and/or purchasing.)

Another annoyance--in this perfect 75 degree sunny weather... on Sunday, race day, there is a chance of rain and it's supposed to be even warmer!!! HUMIDITY ALERT. I was hoping to merely glisten during these 26.2 miles not sweat like when you're wearing silk and giving a presentation and are highly aware of pit stains.

I was hoping to end this post with "damn it feels good to be a gangsta" but alas... It's not good to be a gangsta if you have a stain on your shirt and all of your friends are laughing at you and probably going to beat you up later because you aren't showing pride in your affiliation. And then I'm going to have to probably rob a bank or a convenience store or something, and maybe off someone. TBD.

It can't be wrong...

When it feels so right.

Today at work we are having a "recipe exchange." What this means is that 2x a year everyone brings fattening delicious recipes and we feast for about 45 minutes. Yum. With our recent health conscious stride we encouraged people to either bring something healthy or to partner with someone else and one person make the fattening version and one person make the healthier version. Let me tell you... these people hate health. The amount of butter I've heard of in a majority of the recipes, along with condensed milk, is amazing crazy.

So what did I do to prepare? Other thank make a delicious cooking light recipe? I didn't eat breakfast. Is this sad? Prepared? Awesome? Maybe a little of all three? Another sad statement... yesterday on the way home I stopped at Taco Cabana and bought queso and tortillas and ate them for dinner. I really wanted to go to happy hour, but hubster had things to do. I'm not sure that counts for justification or not, but it's the truth.

So for the last week I just haven't been super hungry (except for queso). I've been on my meds for this cold/allergy madness and I think it's affecting my appetite. I'm not going to super complain except for the fact that I really like eating. I couldn't even finish my ONE roll on Monday night when we went for weekly sushi. Granted, we have had tortilla chips at work all week and I keep walking by and taking a handful... so it isn't that I'm not getting enough calories everyday, just not the good ones.

Chances of me eating a stick of butter and a lb of bacon today? Pretty high.

(concern. Spell check does not recognize "queso."

Did I mention I'm running a marathon?

... on Sunday. This Sunday. Four days away, Sunday.

Did I also mention that I've been sick for a week? I've been diligently taking my meds, resting, not running and today... because it still isn't gone, I went in for a steroids shot.

Don't link this information to the press. I could be disqualified for drug use in a professional event. So as to not let the authorities in on the information I will run at a slow speed and probably collapse--you know, just for effect.

Flying Robots

Ben was telling me that he was working on his blog.

AB--What are you blogging about?
BB--Flying Robots.
AB--Oh, right... I did that earlier, too.

Sometimes the amount of difference between us is astounding. Case in point.

I just found a stick of gum in my purse that I have no idea how old it is. I chewed it. So is the life of a simple woman.

Over wine.

I love sleep. I really do. I cherish it. I look forward to days when Ben is out of town so that I can get into bed at 9 and read and then fall asleep by 9:45. Granted, I still get in bed by like 10 on most days... sometimes 10:30. Watch out!

If you know me, you also know that I like to have my space. I especially like to have my space while sleeping. I sleep with 2 fans so that I do not get hot. I don't want to cuddle for fear of night sweats. I want a bigger bed. I want a big temperpedic mattress that I could put a glass of wine on and jump up and down and it doesn't fall over. I want for that mattress to be king sized. I want for my husband to not hit me in the face 3x a night by accident. It makes me not happy and makes me drop the f bomb which is usually reserved for when I'm having personal time in the car and stupid drivers make me lose my shiz.

Other things I want... in no particular order (nor is this a complete list.) I had to edit this because Linzie said it wasn't a good enough list.

• The eradication of dog hair. I hate it. A lot.
• Some new trouser jeans which I can't find anywhere--which could mean that they are no longer in style, but I don't care.
• Someone to pay all of my bills.
• a gym membership (this is directly tied to other items on the list.)
• someone to send me good books
• new running clothes. I have a problem.
• new clothes in general
• a pair of really expensive shoes
• a fancy watch. I think they connotate awesomeness. Mine currently is a timex that cost $30 and I wear it everyday. Plastic and all.
• a right hand ring (apparently she thinks this is lame because it's attainable. I reminded her that clearly it isn't because I do not have one.... well, except the fancy blingy one I'm wearing right now that I bought on clearance at banana.)
• a massage. I woke up with neck pain today. Mostly like I have spinal meningitis because it hurts to touch my chin to my neck. That or I have too many chins.
• Houses on the beach, Italy, other places that are fabulous and I have a billion dollars and can visit them whenever I want. This would also make me highly popular with my friends and they could stay there for their vacays for free.
• paid maternity leave (not that I'm preggo, but someday hope to be and it would be awesome to get paid)
• for it to be Wednesday night and be watching Glee (and having some vino)
• someone to pay all of my student loans. This would make me infinitely more wealthy than I am currently. Student loans also make me drop the f-bomb. And that's just not ladylike, ya'll.
• a facial. You can take this to mean new skin. I'm happy to pay for it with my dollars.

I mean, it isn't too much to ask for all of those things, right?

I also got over wined last night. Over wined and under fed ='s me falling asleep on the couch and missing the end of House.

What has this come to?

So I joined this challenge to do 30 posts in 30 days. Usually, I just blog when things come to me, or when they happen--or when I'm intentionally trying to decipher the words of the Lord. Ok, that last part wasn't true, but I wanted to have a 3rd option. Anyway, now that I've joined this challenge I find myself without thoughts. Or at least, not intriguing thoughts.

Just now I was talking with Ben and he told me about how he called this guy (because he's borrowing something from him) and his ring on his phone was weird and then it went to voicemail, but there was no greeting. Immediately my mind went to, well maybe he's a drug dealer and you need a code. Apparently, I watch too much Law and Order. It's like when I got my N64 and played a lot of perfect dark and would go places and wonder if I could fit through air vents in case of an emergency or if I was fighting off bad people. I'm highly susceptible, but this isn't news.

My race is in 6 days and for some reason, I'm not very nervous. I'm not sure if this is good or bad. I'm leaning towards bad. I haven't been as on top of all of my runs this season. I'm still battling my cold. I don't have any new jeans. (That last one also thrown in for effect because I don't ever want to run in jeans. However, I would like to replace my old trouser jeans and wear them this weekend in San Antonio and I'm having difficulty finding a pair I want online.)

Basically, I'm not sure I'm 30 days of blog posts worthy. I committed to the challenge and I'll attempt to push through. Maybe I'll take an ambien and have a glass of wine and see where my creativity leads. Keep your eyes posted for that one. It should be filled with spelling errors, theme, and gramatical consistency--and probably some oversharing.

Then again you could get lucky this week as I also need to clean my house. Maybe I'll get high on Kaboom-foamtastic.

Ps. I really do like law and order.

The great outdoors

We went camping yesterday/last night. Super fun. I really enjoy getting out of the city, even if it's only 45 minutes away. This was unlike any camping area I've been to before--because it wasn't a state park. And, turns out, basically we camped in the middle of a lake. Nope, no snorkel gear necessary. All that was needed was an extreme drought. Check. Taken care of.

Go to this google map. Out there where those trees are in the middle of the lake?? THAT is where our tents where set up.

It was kind of awesome that we weren't all smushed up against other people (for our general shenanigans.) Unfortunately it wasn't cold. I was well prepared with 3 jackets and many layers. Which is my problem with packing. I've gotten SO much better. I usually end up with only one or 2 shirts not used. This time, not so much. It's when the weather is in flux that I have general anxiety about packing.

This morning we were sitting around after breakfast and talking about a group that it took about 2 hours to pack their things up. They had kids. My friend was like, well when you have kids you have to take a pack in play, toys, lots of clothes for the weather, jackets, blankets. Ben and I both were like... this is sounding very familiar. Basically, I'm a small child who requires quite a bit of entertainment, food, drinks, clothes, jackets, and probably 14 pairs of underwear. Yah, it's true, should I be in an emergency, you know like stranded in the desert or something and all I had was my bag that I had packed, I'd probably be set--especially if I am stranded and have a lot of "accidents." Safe.

Either way, it was fun. It was nice to get home, take a nap, not clean my house, get a pedicure, and watch a little Law and Order. I heart camping that isn't really camping because it always includes bacon.

Why???

SO I always have the thought that it wouldn't be so bad to be sick--think of the luxury, some time off, some time on the couch, a lot of rest. Then it happens--not quite the way I imagined. Yesterday I started feeling bad. This morning I decided I'd go to the doctor because I MUST be better for my marathon next weekend. I'm relatively sure the same thing happened at the same time last season. (Which still leads me to believe that running marathons makes me sick.)

What I find though... is that I can lay on the couch, but laundry still piles up, the house gets messy, I don't really watch much tv, and I miss vital things (like dinner with friends.) I'm not very good at being lazy. (I'm not very good at running marathons either, but that's neither here nor there.)

So the next time I'm thinking of a little sickness--maybe you should remind me that it's not all it's cracked up to be kind of like the first, last episode of Scrubs.

a woman of your age.

So it's November (and still like 80 degrees here. Suck!) November also is the time of the year that I have ALLLLLLL of my doctors appointments. Physical, yearly, eye doc etc. (Ok. Just those 3, but it's a lot.)

Yesterday was my eye doc appointment. My eyes have gotten worse as I had feared from the recent blurring of the computer screen. I also apparently have dry eyes (which I've heard before) and for a woman of "my age" something something something... I quit listening because he said, "A woman of your age!" The nerve. Does he not realize that I haven't even been 30 for 2 weeks! Apparently he does not know that you don't say this to women of my age. Perhaps I'll send an anonymous note?

Dear Dr. Dotson,

I appreciate you and your polo shirts and very advanced technology at your office. However, when you mention the words "woman of your age" it makes me feel old. I am not old even though the old women at my office believe I should have three kids by now. I am young. I am able. Please offer me some wrinkle cream next time I'm in... or perhaps some bifocals and a werthers original.

Love,
a concerned and aging patient.

PS. I just went to the grocery store to buy some soup (and have a cold) and sneezed on myself. Twice. I'm a hot mess.

Bull fights equal illness

So on Tuesdays my running group meets up to run hills. I typically do not join because

1. I do not like hills.

2. I hate traffic and I hate stupid people who are inevitably on the road at 6pm. It's usually too far away from my house

But, starting last week and this week it is closer and the course is FLAT, (thank you Tom Cruise,) because we are in our downward spiral to the marathon!

Last night I convinced one of my friends from last season to join us because we were going to a girls night afterwards (and who likes to show up sweaty and alone?) We go, she only makes it half way and goes back. I am running and about 1/4 mile from our end point when....this happens.
I wasn't bull fighting. Nothing of the sort. I wasn't running from the law or large animal with snot and hot breath and horrible hygiene chasing me. No, just simply running and not noticing a speed bump. Then, in slow motion, I watched myself skid to the ground. I scuffed up my hand and my knee--like in third grade.

Now I'm not going to say that these things are related but--today I feel like crap. Sore throat which KILLS when I sneeze. Stuffy ears.

What I think the universe is telling me is that running gives you bruises, makes you sweaty, and most likely gives you a cold--just like bull fighting.

Bring. it. on.

So I'm going to attempt this challenge. You know how i love to put myself up against something daunting. I'm going to attempt to blog everyday. Not sure this will work as I finally brought some magazines to work that I've been meaning to bring for 2 weeks. Oops.

You can also check out Elizabeth's blog. She's also taking the challenge of 30 posts in 30 days. (and she isn't from the US and spells colors "colours" and I totally appreciate that.)

The weekend was fantabulous, as noted by pictures. I also volunteered at Race for the Cure (pictures will be posted later.) I also had 2 nights of 12+ hours 0f sleep which have basically transformed me into a new person. I could probably save the world from hideous attire today, but I'm going to leave that to someone else.

So I thought I'd see who has some embarrassing moments they'd like to share. I was trying to come up with some the other day and they all started flooding back.

Getting shingles and having to go to the grocery store and buy valtrex.
Passing out in that same grocery store and having the EMT people drive me to my car on a hospital bed.

Really, the possibilities are endless.

Happy Halloween

I went as a UT undergrad. They have a distinctive flavor of dress. Basically, I think of costumes on November 1 and then not again until like 3 days before October 31. Then I'm like... wait, what do I have in my closet so I don't have to purchase anything? I had the necessities for this outfit. Northface denali, nike tempos, white men's undershirt, uggs, hippy necklace.

Ben chose to go as a douche bag. Graphic tee, blue tooth headset at all times (you know, because he's really important), a white belt with studs and gigantic sunglasses--and most importantly, a fo-hawk.

If you wanted to know what true love looks like... this is it.

Raise the roof!!

So, Ben has high blood pressure. He's known this forever. Finally, our doc put him on some meds and then he went back today and tested to see if they were working (they weren't.)

Anyway, she said,

Medical Professional: So, have you had any side effects?
Ben: Um... no.
Medical Professional: So no trouble getting it up?
Ben: Yah, definitely no problems with that.
Medical Professional: That's why I put you on this one. It has less of a chance of side effects. I didn't want Amanda to be mad at me.

HOLY CRAP. That's awkward. I would not say such things... perhaps, "Are you having any sexual side effects?" SOMETHING. Hilarious. love it.

She didn't ask to be my bff as I had hoped.

Later at dinner Ben said, "You know what this song makes me think of?"
Me: No.
Ben: America's Next Top Model from last night.

Amazing.

It's a hard knock life for me

So I can't stop being tired. Like my eyes can't focus tired. I wake up in the mornings exhausted. I'm so tired of "events". I'm so tired of having something every weekend that even thinking about all that I need to do makes me even more tired. Why oh why can someone not clean my house and do my laundry? When I get home it's the last thing I want to do. But where do I find myself on my days off? Doing just that. I sweep, dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, mop/swiffer wetjet, change the sheets, towels, do laundry. Gross. No wonder I'm tired. How do orphans like Annie do this every day? It's a good thing that we didn't have a huge house and that I wasn't forced to clean everyday.

Seriously, though... I'm tired. TIRED. I could fall asleep at any point in time. I got up on Tuesday am and went running. This usually energizes me and I'm up and ready for the day. I ran 5 miles, came home and had to lay back down. Totally unusual. I think a nap could possibly help? I'm not sure though--because I live in fear of not being able to sleep at night. My alarm goes off and I snooze one time (usually means I just lay there thinking about how I should get up and get dressed because I'm not even sleeping,) Now, my alarm goes off and I feel like I can barely become aware enough to snooze. Then I sit and think... how much longer could I sleep and still make it to work on time? Do I really need to shower? How many sick days do I have left?

What is wrong with me? I will most assuredly check webmd and it will tell me I am preggo (I am not), or have another serious illness. I'll go check now.

Dirty Thirty.

So this past weekend I headed to beautiful kingsport, TN. The trees. Oh the trees. How I've missed you and your colors and the fact that you are so tall and consuming. Pork BBQ sandwich, how tasty you are and how you treat me well. And waitresses who call me sweetie and look confused when I don't want sweet tea. I miss you.

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL. They did so much work themselves and it was just perfect. The bride and groom are just lovely and hopefully living it up on their honeymoon. Weddings are so moving to me. Love them.

Saturday, my birthday, actually a crappy day all in all. I'm sure it's due to my high expectations that because I'm turning 3o my whole world would turn around and I would be showered with love and attention. Not so much. To fill my time on Saturday (because ben was having groomsmen duties) I scheduled a massage at a nearby spa (suggested by the hotel.) SUCK. It was expensive and not good. I'm pretty sure that Debbie watched a youtube video about how to give a massage. She failed... and used a lot of oil. Gross. I won't go into all of the details as to why it was a crapstown day, but it ended with a lovely wedding and reception.

Dear 30,

I hate you. You gave me circles under my eyes and a shitty day. You also have graced me with a new blemish that is the size of Japan. It is so huge that I can't stop touching it and being amazed at it's size. You have also made me feel that I should be having children a-plenty. Ok, maybe that's not me, but everyone else who keeps tell me that they were finished having kids by now, or the fact that my fridge is now covered in my friends babies. You make me look tired (also been told that this week.) I'd really appreciate you sending me something in the diamond category in order to make up for your misfortune.

Thanks,
me

New tag line?

So in case you didn't know, though I'm not sure how that would be possible, I am entering a new decade on Saturday. This means that I have to have a new tag line on my blog. I'm no longer a late 20 something. I'll be an early 30 something. That just doesn't have the same ring to it. Maybe I'll come up with something clever this weekend as I spend many hours laying in our king sized tempurpedic mattress in Johnson City? I love laying in hotel beds. Yes, I realize that it's probably not sanitary or something, but there is just some sort of something that makes laying in a bed not your own, watching movies, and not being the one to clean up the room that I just love. (I would say someone else who makes up the bed, but as I rarely make our bed up that statement would be misleading.) (granted, if I made up our bed everyday that would make Ben feel unwelcomed as he is still sleeping in it when I leave--so there's my "out.")

I haven't really had time to give this monumental occasion much thought. I mean, I've been saying that I'm going to be 30 for a while, but I haven't had time to sit down and think of the implications. It just sounds so... old. How did I get here? This morning my work had a little breakfast celebration for me and another woman who is turning 60 and they all said, "wow, by the time I was 30 I was already finished having kids." Um... insert knife, turn and twist and let judgement follow. I'm sure they didn't intend to tell me that my uterus is getting dusty, but they did. I also had 2 women tell me that their daughters are in their early 30's and don't even have any prospects of dating! Can you believe it? I mean, they must have taken 30 way worse because they just had a dark and dismal future ahead with no man and no babies (if you could hear my tone, you'd recognize the sarcasm.) Breakfast was amazing, though. It was really thoughtful. I just like to give them a hard time. I got lots of cards! I love that!

My eye sight also seems to be failing me. I think staring at a computer all day isn't helping--or the fact that my eyes are entering their 30th year. I can't get my eyes checked until November, though... dang insurance and your once a year exams.

I didn't find any amazing dress or shoes for my bday, so I bought makeup. I figure it can't go wrong. Right? I'll spend most of my bday weekend with time to contemplate. We get into TN around noon and Ben will be busy with the groomsmen until the rehearsal. Then on Saturday they also have groomsmen duties all day. So, I've scheduled a massage which I'm very much looking forward to--and maybe a run. So in all of my lack of thinking--I'm sure it will catch up to me.

Did I mention that our flight LEAVES at 6:45 in the morning? God bless. If only one of my sleep cycles had already fallen away...

Little blue box.

So this weekend I had the awesome opportunity to run in the Nike Women's marathon again. (well, I did the half because I have no interest in doing that course for the full.) There are so many perks to this race--it's basically all women which I think just makes an awesome aura. It benefits LLS. It's pretty. We run by the golden gate bridge (which was too foggy to really see), and Alcatraz (which I totally missed this year), and we get Tiffany's necklaces at the end as our "finishers medal." Um, yes please.

It isn't like you just get them in a bag at the end either. No. You cross the finish line and there lining both sides are men dressed in tuxes, holding silver platters, filled with little blue boxes. That distinctive blue that every girl automatically knows. I'm not proud of my love of this color--but I do love it.

Because I only ran the half I was able to stand on the out and back (which was mile 17 and mile 25) and catch the rest of our team as they crossed. It was really fun to stand out there and cheer for everyone to come by. It's so amazing to see peoples faces when they realize that they ARE going to finish. They've made it. They've arrived. They break into tears when they see the finish line. It's amazing to see so much purple in this sea of 20,000 people. To know that they raised over 14 million dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in this ONE event. They were racing to cure cancer. Some of them are survivors. Some of them are running in memory of others. Some of them are running in honor. The names are on their jersey's--those lost, those still fighting.

So though we ladies (and a few gentleman) get together and run on Saturday's--fill our runs with idle chatter, stories of chaffing, and maybe a little gossip--we also each have our own connections. With the support of others we will cross the finish line.

Watcha doin later?

So I went to the Gap today at lunch. I was checking out with my cardigan when the guy says, "So, do you have much time left on your lunch break?" (ps. I am dressed in office attire and buying cardigans... well A cardigan, not plural.)
AB: "Yah, a little while."
Gap Guy: "Do you have lunch plans?"
AB: "Um... HEB"
GG: "Well, I'm going to Pluckers and have a coupon for 5 free wings" (in a suggestive manner"
AB: Um. Awesome. have fun. (casually showing my WEDDING RING.)

I mean, should I be flattered? I can't tell. I mean, do I look like I eat a lot of wings? Or is it that I look like a good deal because I could probably only eat 2 wings? The truth is, I don't eat wings at all and they really disturb me. Do I look like a girl who could be picked up on free wings?

I may need to cut down on my lunchtime mall trips...

Stalker.

So. I tried to stalk myself. You know, type my name into google and see what comes up. Apparently, I do not have the adequate skills to actually stalk someone. The only reason I'm able to do this for myself is because I know details.

1. If you didn't know, I was strangled at 25 by a snake . This is what comes up if you type in Amanda Black.
2. I'm also a stripper if you go to the "images" section. I will not post a link to that, because I'm not attractive. I mean, I totally thought that I would be, but ew.
3. Because I'm technologically savvy you can also link to my twitter account.
4. I'm also a creative designer. I'm not sure what she designs as I got bored waiting for everything to load.

Amanda Black Austin gets you a little bit further, but not really.

Amanda Hopkins Black will get you to my linkedin account that I don't use.

However, amandaeblack is lets you hit the jackpot. It will pull up pictures from my flickr account from a couple of years ago and other vital information like facebook.

I'm totally annoyed that when I try to stalk myself it doesn't link to my work website. What's up with that?

Que?

So I just got an email from Real Simple about eye makeup and it has suggestions for mascaras. SO, of course, I went to check them out (even though could probably have listed them)--you know because I have an obsession.

Anyway--Why would one want a natural look? Yes, I realize you can tell me why, but I still won't really get it. (even though I will not my head and agree with you--it's just a formality, really.)

So I put my hands up

They're playin' my song... the butterflies fly away.

Oh Miley Ray how I want to despise that song, but find myself loving it. I know, judge me if you will, but it's damn catchy. Noddin' my head like yeah. Movin' my hips like yeah.

I mean, it makes a girl and her husband want to car dance. even if he is dancing to make fun of me.

SO I have my first injury of the training season. And by first, i mean it started hurting 2 weeks ago, but I didn't do anything about it until this week. I went to see Dr. Z on Tuesday and will go again this Friday. He is a miracle worker. I truly believe it. He does ART therapy and though it hurts like whoa, it also hurts so good... but also makes your muscles tired and sore. I literally thought I had bruises all over me yesterday--turns out no.

Anyway, I went to yoga last night at my Y (that I've been debating joining for like 1.5 years and am about to give in and do it. I went to the yoga class to see if it was worth it--it was.) I figured I needed some good slow stretching. I'm sure that this is the case, but my shoulders are sore now. Appar I need some upper body strength. Then this morning I had track and I was only able to complete 4 rounds of practice--not 5. I just couldn't do it. My leg/back hurts. It's tired from being worked on and I don't want to over do it for Saturday--20 miles!!!

Ps. I just said 20 miles.

It's a party in the USA.

Kaboom!

So, sometimes I like to clean--obsessively. Sometimes it's because it's "spring cleaning" and sometimes it's because I'm neurotic it's Friday. When I get like this I could clean one section of house for hours. A clean house makes me feel productive, good about myself, and like I just got 90% off an amazing dress.

Today I decided I would tackle the bathroom. I used to think, "Oh tile shower--beautiful!" Now I think, "I hate you tile. I hope you will rot and die. Why oh Why do you have grout?" We were out of shower cleaner (except some all natural stuff that totally doesn't work) and so I went to heaven Target. I was standing there staring at all of the options before me. I was hoping for a pen thing that I could take up and down the grout to get it amazingly clean. Negative. Then, a light shone down from heaven on a new product-- kaboom foam tastic! Holy amazingtown. This stuff is awesome. I like it not only because it comes out as a blue foam, but because it really works! My grout looks awesome! I did scrub it a couple of times but whoa. I'm sure I've killed some brain cells (because then I tried to Hitler myself and sprayed some clorox on top of it.)

I've also done laundry, dusted, swept, swiffered, vacuumed, changed the sheets, and gone shopping.

Such is the life of me.

I desire

This dress.

For my upcoming 30th bday/friends wedding I would like to feel lovely and spectacular. I feel that this dress would make all of those events come true. If only someone could lower the price to like $50 that would be great. Or hey, just take $100 off and we will call it a deal.

I love a good dress. You know, those items in your closet that you know are good pieces that were worth the money?

If I didn't have such expensive great taste this wouldn't matter. I'd be perfectly content with a ho hum dress. But it's my birthday. I mentioned previously, and Nancy agrees, that birthdays are a big deal!

I don't think I ACTUALLY realized until yesterday that this is the month of my 30th bday. I mean, I've been talking about how I'm almost 30 for about a year and now it's true. It hit me sometime last night when I was doing my domestic duties and catching up on tv shows I missed this week doing the laundry. I stopped and paused and wondered what I had done with my life. Then I proceeded to get into bed at 10:30 like any youngster would do. I think that this weird feeling will come and go for a while. I mean, 30. Old.

I'm a bachelorette

My husband has left me until Monday for a bachelor party.  So I am LIVING IT UP.  Last night I caught up on TV that I have missed this week--ANTM, Glee, and the Office.  I also had 2 glasses of wine, took an ambien and went to sleep.  I know.  Calm down!  Stop your crazy ways.

Tonights plans include--catching up on more TV--Brothers and Sisters, SVU, and maybe some Grey's.  I'm not sure about the last one though because it makes me cry EVERY TIME.  I also have on the agenda to do laundry, sweep, mop, dust, change the sheets.  Basically, my life is what every person should envy.  It's filled with luxury and couch sitting when Ben is away.  I'm running 10 miles tomorrow and then will pedicure myself and begin the search for my perfect 30th birthday a dress for a wedding. 

This wedding is going to be fazmatastic and the main characters are people whom I adore.  However, I do expect a gifty from my mate.  I asked last night before he made his trek to east texas (and got there at 1 am.  We spoke on the phone and I fell asleep in the middle.  oops.) anywho..... I asked if he would like for me to create him a list of possible gift options--you know as a starting block.  He said, "No, not right now."  Um, TIME IS DWINDLING FOR YOU TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT.  You only have 22 days left 4 of which I will be out of town (frolicking in san fran). 

You may be saying, but isn't a trip to San Francisco enough?  Well, yes it is.  However, I love presents and so I need something to be wrapped and presented to me.  I know I'm needy.  I blame my parents who taught us that birthdays are a big deal.  Yah, blame them--then go buy me something or send a card. 

I'm sweet.  Really, I am.

The smell of wine and cheap perfume.

So last night I went to the Journey concert with some friends--much fun. Who knew that a tiny asian man could impersonate Steve Perry so well. Where did they find that guy? Does he have an accent in real life (I didn't ever hear him talk)? When he started singing was he like, someday I hope to sing like Steve and then make all white people love me?

Because here are some things I learned from last night and a gross generalization of other things white people like. (please note that these things are based on my belief that white people love journey because of Don't Stop Believin'.) (Which is fabulous when remade by the cast members of Glee as well).

1. I do not know as many Journey songs as I had previously believed. I think I could sing about 4-5 songs with extreme knowledge. The others I clapped a long to.
2. I felt the entire audience kind of fell into this category.
3. I thought it was weird that when lead singer guy walked down near the crowd he had a body guard. Is he that popular? Is that necessary?
5. Other things we like--we love to sway to songs. There was a whole crowd of swayers in there last night.
4. White people love happy hour or "getting coffee." (which we did prior to the concert)
5. We love a theme party. (which we planned while in said concert)
6. We love Journey. Especially D.S.B (what are street light people, anyway? Is that some sort of disorder where you believe that street lights are actually people? Is it the governments way of watching you? Or do you have a disorder where you think people look like streetlights and you get confused and wonder why you can't read under them?)
7. We like camping and trail running. (also talked about)
8. Dawson's Creek. (not discussed, but I have great fondness for the creek.)
9. Celebrity gossip. (no comment necessary.)
10. We LOVE a dance movie/show (center stage anyone?) (this was discussed after me talking about the movie Fame and how I want to take dance lessons. One of my friends said she needs to take hip hop classes for her maybe someday future wedding in which she'll need to have perfected the robot.) (I offered to be their back up dancer.)

I'm not saying that these things are bad, but lets be honest, they are mostly true. I also feel that Journey would be greatly enhanced by a tambourine player. I'm going to turn in my resume next week. I'll tell them that we can discuss it over coffee or happy hour.

I'm gonna live foreva...

So this weekend held an amazing event for me--I went to see Fame. I love a dance movie. They move me--especially when kids from restrictive homes (either rule oriented or financially speaking) are able to excel based on their talents. Damn I want some talents!!! Seriously, I see these singing and dancing movies and think to myself--Self, what the hell have you done with your life? NOTHING. You've done nothing. You have not performed in one single graduation show. You do not know how to tap dance. You did not take arts classes and go out with Karen Walker to a karaoke bar. NOTHING. All you did was go to college and grad school and get a job. lame. So I came home and began my search for dance classes. This will more easily launch me into the public eye I'm sure. In no time I'll be on Broadway--or off Broadway in some sort of Austin community theater--but not official community theater--more like a neighborhood association performance of Best in Show or something. I'll probably perform the dance from Little Ms. Sunshine. Or maybe something a bit more hip hoppy. TBD

I know I mentioned about getting to go to San Fran (SO EXCITED) but I didn't mention the devastating news... this will be my 2nd trip to SF. BOTH TIMES my loverly friend Cate will be absent even though she lives there! The first time she was in Austin and this time in Atlanta. How can I have such poor timing? Well, not me really. It's more the Nike Women's Marathon. Blame them. Just a thought--but I think they should give me a jet. That way I could always go visit friendlies.

In other news... both my sis and bil have h1n1--that's swine flu for all of you out there who do not watch tv, listen to the radio, talk to anyone, read, or get direct messages from God. I'm not going to lie... that I kind of hoped for this one for myself. I mean, not really, but everyone knows how much I love an obscure illness. I guess I DID get shingles in May, so I have that. I think shingles trump swine flue because I had to purchase valtrex and you only have to purchase tamiflu and drink your fluids.

Going to the Journey concert tonight. Maybe I'll get asked to be a back up dancer.

Last Resort (ish)

So, I've mentioned 2.zillion times that my face is breaking out--not in an adult who is almost 30 and only has one blemish ever once in a while kind of way. It's in a I'm 12 going on 13 and I'm about to have a HUGE SURGE of hormones kind of way='s not attractive and makes me sad. I use nice face products, switched to super natural (and purchased at my dermatologists office) make up (glo-minerals) and still--awfulness. I'm not sure if maybe I have just go to a non involved derm? I've gone 2x. Once I saw the PA and then once the doc. Neither of them got up in my face as I felt that they should have done. They simply sat across from me and gave me creams (one of which made me break out in a rash--awesome.)

I feel unattractive. So, today I made an appointment to get a facial. I just can't keep doing what I'm doing. I'm a healthy and active person who all of a sudden has bad skin. I know that this isn't going to fix things, but maybe it can jump start things? Or maybe they can scrape my face off and give me a new one? I'm ok with that. I hate that I have to spend money ono this. I'm sure it will be relaxing. I'm sure it will be great. I just need 5.3 bagillion dollars and new skin.

Run like a girl

So I have an awesome opportunity to participate in the Nike Womens 1/2 marathon again! If you haven't heard this race is HARD to get into. Basically, unless you run with TNT you register as part of a lottery and then they pick from there. Crazy. It's awesome. And you get a Tiffany's necklace from a SF fireman dressed in a tux. Awesome. I'm hoping for some amazing weather (and good cookies again.)

I'm really excited!

Sick people

smell citrusy to me... I know this is weird.

So sometimes I forget

Do you ever not like something, but after a while (or a season) you begin to think that you will like it? This happened to me this morning. As you know, I usually hold out for my once a week Starbucks until Thursday after track. Well, I'm relatively sure I'm on the verge of a cold and I really wanted a hot drink this morning. SO, I stopped--prepared to get the usual--Tall Soy Chai, but I was swayed. I was swayed by the media and peer pressure. I got the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It means fall is here. It means that I'm one of the group and I can write about it on my facebook status. However, I'm not a huge fan. I'm disappointed in my starbucks purchase. It's not bad, per se, but I don't find it to be tasty. Maybe I should have let them add the whipped cream? Or maybe it's just not for me. I don't think it tastes pumpkiny. Sad. I long for my tall soy chai. Maybe tomorrow?

I'm thinking I will also make some muffins for our run on Saturday--with REAL pumpkin (puree... from a can). I'm a big fan of this recipe for Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips--I make it into mini muffins, though. They are amazing and we have a LONG run this weekend--18 miles for me (some people will do 22 though.)

In shopping news... I'm in need of a dress for a fabulous upcoming wedding. I have not found a dress that makes me exclaim, "We are MFEO!" (made for each other for those of you who did not see sleepless in Seattle.) I am thinking that a trip to the outlet mall to peruse the BCBG store (with Max Mara and Max and Cleo) is in need. I think maybe next weekend when I don't have a scheduled run (it's ACL) and Ben is out of town for a bachelor party (for said wedding.)
(Side note. It bothers me that ACL is called a summer music festival when it is in October. Granted, it will still be hot, so I get the theory, and it did used to be earlier, but again, it was too hot. Good gravy why do I live here?) I want it to be fabulous--the dress, not acl. It is my 30th bday that weekend. However we did also just buy a media stand/china cabinet, I think I'm going to San Francisco, and we'll have to pay for our hotel room in TN. So maybe I will only get a semi-fabulous dress (and make up, and a pedicure, and a manicure...and I will need a hair cut soooo.......)

Being me is expensive.

As is being married to me (so I hear.) My lovely husband, though stopped at whole foods last night for some groceries and got us stuff to have an amazing salad tonight AND some local flowers AND some local cheeses. That man knows the way to my heart.

SO, who has a jet I can borrow?

For Cate...

Dear Cate,

Because of your keen eye and attention to detail I have made the according changes to the blog colors. I'm always open for suggestions as I am small cookies in the blogosphere. You have promised me millions of butterfly kisses (enhanced because you have amazing eye lashes that do not require mascara.) This will come in handy as it is raining today and the lack of mascara will keep my face streak free. I appreciate you.

You know what else I appreciate? That it didn't storm until HOUSE was over last night. I was able to get in bed and sleep until Gizmo got freaked out. I'm not going to lie, I was mostly able to sleep through that, also. I was going to get up and run this morning but it was still raining when my alarm went off so I snuggled down in bed and LOVED it (and slept in long enough that I didn't have time to shower.) I was able to skip said shower because I plan on running this afternoon and don't want to waste the water. Which, if you've been paying attention we are under STRICT water restrictions.... so basically I'm saving the world.

Option 1.

So we did it. We purchased option one. Luckily, my husband is an nerd engineer because said option is not created to be a media stand so there aren't any holes in it for the wires to go through. He also was smart enough to measure to make sure our electronic equipment would fit on the selves--they didn't, ps. Fortunate that we figured this out PRIOR to the hole cutting. Well, not that it mattered because we kept it anyway. We've come up with a sneaky way to make everything fit. I really like it. I think it's going to be fabulous once we also get the shelves to go beside it. I will post pictures when this task is complete. I'm thinking in the next week or 2 we will start looking like grown ups. Thrilling. We also bought a new lamp for the living room. As I'm becoming an old lady I need more light to read and the lamp we had in there basically did nothing but collect dust (mostly because I never dusted it.) I tried to dust it once and it didn't work so then I quit trying. Roller brushing is basically a miracle for all things dusty and covered in dog hair. I believe this will be the next course of action. That and getting someone else to clean my house because I am lazy.

In other events, I had a meeting this morning and it was catered and we had cookies. I hate 1.5 cookies and then ran home to give gizmo his eye drops and decided I should have a chocolate covered banana--because I forgot that I had already eaten 1.5 cookies. Dang.

Apparently memory loss and self control are not my spiritual gifts...

New Layout

So my friend over at Mrs. Preppy created me a lovely new layout! She would do a great job for you guys too and only $10! Check it out!

Sometimes love comes around

that song is stuck in my head. great.

Current situation--working. Current wish--to not be working--but also to have a car in which I can actually move things. I need an SUV for a couple of hours.

GUESS WHAT?? We're FINALLY buying our OWN tv stand! i know, it's crazy--black one from my grandparents house, to milk crate, to hand me down from bachelors and now our very own--chosen BY us, media console. Even better we aren't going to have a dog eat it (as she did our other new furniture) unless she becomes crazy and rabid and then I think she'll eat gizmo and still not the new piece.

Here are the options (this one we'd need to drive like 40 minutes away to go get which also makes the travel structure a bit difficult.) This one also comes complete assembled or whatever so it isn't even a box. It also points to the fact that I would really like a lime green wall somewhere at our house.

Here is the 2nd option. It is at the world market closer to our house and in a box and could probably be strapped onto Ben's car. The issue with this one is that the side tower things are $300 a piece which I think is crazy, but they are really cute.

Pro to option #1--We can use it at a later time in our lives for a china storage/somesort of storage. It's really pretty and I think maybe a slightly higher quality.

Pro to option #2 is that it matches our current decor. Con I can't have the book cases and I really think they are essential to the beauty.

Fix it.