It should be noted that I am right smack dab in the middle of my typical post-MN friend seeing blues / funk. I do it every time I see them (so you can imagine the roller coaster I've been on after all these visits this year!). It's just a shame I can't make them all move here...all of you. Even the ones who no longer live in MN. (Oregon? California? Pennsylvania? New York? Alaska?? I'm looking at you.)
If you were at the wedding with me this past weekend, you too would be in love with my friends and wish they lived in your city all the time. We're pretty much the best time you could ever want to have. Sober before the ceremony? Super fun. Drunk at the reception? Double time fun. Back at the hotel eating pizza? So. Much. Fun. Hungover at the continental breakfast? Hilarious. Close to dying of laughter at Perkins? STOP the fun, it's just too much. So it shouldn't be this big surprise I am happy when I'm with them and sad when I'm not.
However, sometimes they make me smile just as big when I'm not even in the same state as them. And yesterday one of my favorites did just that. In the midst of an e-mail conversation back and forth she gave me one of the best compliments I could possibly receive (especially after last week's pity party). She told me she loves that I am me. And that no matter what was happening this weekend I was just being Angie.
Seriously my heart burst into eleventy bajillion pieces. I'm working very hard at redefining, rediscovering, reconfiguring just who the best Angie is. When you're alone, that's the very best time to do this. You are basing who you are on you and you alone. Sure you're family and friends have influence but if you've chosen them wisely, it's a good influence and they make you a better you. The only thing better than working on becoming the best me I can be is when someone tells you how much they love that me. BEST EVER.
I swear, soon I'll blog about something other than how much fun I had this weekend and people, places and things that aren't somehow tied to MN. Although, be warned, it won't last long because in just 24 short days I'm headed up to the city I love for Homecoming. HOMECOMING. This is pretty much my favorite thing EVER after Christmas. And sometimes, in some moments, homecoming could even win out over Christmas. (I know! I said it and I stand by it. ) Hot damn I love me some Homecoming!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
This is for Kelly C.
I got to attend a wedding of one of my sorority sisters this past weekend. These are some of my very favorite events ever. I LOVE a reason to get together with all of my friends from college and when the reason is seeing a friend get married, well that's just like killing two birds with one stone!
So a few things first, this post is for Kelly C because she pretty much made my day / night by informing me she reads and loves this blog. Seriously, when I write posts I really feel like I'm writing them for maybe 3 people (my mom is one of 'em) so when I find out people actually read it, I'm beaming. AND, it gives me pressure to be even more entertaining. So I'll give it a go. But because there's just so much to cover, I'm going with some bullets.
So a few things first, this post is for Kelly C because she pretty much made my day / night by informing me she reads and loves this blog. Seriously, when I write posts I really feel like I'm writing them for maybe 3 people (my mom is one of 'em) so when I find out people actually read it, I'm beaming. AND, it gives me pressure to be even more entertaining. So I'll give it a go. But because there's just so much to cover, I'm going with some bullets.
- This whole weekend "started" on Tuesday when I found a great dress that I loved, that was a size smaller than I usually wear and that was marked down by $100. This NEVER happens.
- The drive up to Green Bay took a half hour less than I figured it would.
- I used THREE things I found on pinterest (2 of my gifts and my hairstyle were found via pinterest.)
- A situation that I thought had potential to be awkward, was pretty much anything but.
- Kelly's husband was the best mid-wedding mediator I've ever met. (Updated to account for cool factor: Kelly's husband, who is single handedly bringing suspenders back to men's fashion, much to Gina's liking. Kelly's husband who, pending results of certain events may or may not be an official Rock Star from Mars.)
- Instead of feeling all "Boo, I'm at a wedding with all my non-single friends" I hardly even noticed it, enjoyed the hell out of not having to babysit someone.
- Watched Gina go from not drinking for a month to enjoying a drink made with 151...given to her by her husband.
- Taking the best photo booth pictures I've ever seen taken with Gina, Tori, and Nila
- Getting to see people like Kelly and Nila and all the other "younger" Alpha Chi's I haven't seen in so long.
- Having Ben ask me for my mom's phone number at the bar...and not hesitating for a second to give it to him. (Also, watching everyone in the vicinity's faces when this happened.)
- The fact that when we're all together and drinking, my friends want to call my mom..this makes me happy.
- I got to do the cupid shuffle (which automatically makes it a good day), slow dance, seriously get down with some of my best friends.
- Making it to almost the very end of the wedding, going back to the hotel, slipping into some of the most comfortable sweats I've ever worn and placing not one, but two orders for pizza at 2:00 a.m.
- Waiting for said pizza on the couch in the lobby of the hotel in my pj's w/ Ben having a deep conversation (that neither of us exactly recall) like we were in our living room.
- Watching Kelly arise from slumber to the announcement that wings had arrived, and plopping down right in front of them, and going to town on that order.
- Sukie sleep talking about sweet potatoes and Kevin inviting me over to hear it.
- Giggling like crazy the next morning at Perkin's as we recapped parts of the night.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Came across this ol' gem...
Thanks to the book blowing my mind with this new layout (that I don't totally understand yet, but am nonetheless VERY excited about), I came across a note from 2006 titled "Reasons I miss the U (and College life in general). I figured now is a perfect time to post this, especially since I am less than 24 hours from a little mini-reunion with many of the below mentioned friends!
Flash forward to 2011 and most of these reasons still stand (updates / commentary on these reasons from 2011 Angie are in italics.)
1. I miss hearing my alarm go off and the only thought running through my head was "I don't have an exam today...skip it." and sleeping in for another few hours. (the 2011 version of this is, "I don't have an early meeting today, I'll snooze for another 10 minutes.)
2. At any given moment on any given day I could stroll to DU's porch, call Clint, Tom, Jeremy, Joe, or Tripod in the early days and have a friend to sit on the porch with...which would then turn into a group to sit on the porch with. (those boys are SO far away...and I don't have a porch).
3. If I was lonely for lunch, I knew I could call Tor (who would always be willing to skip class-for a ride from Carlson), Nuke and/or Clint (who would always do lunch, as long as I paid), or Jeremy (who at the very least would come to Alpha Chi for lunch). (Again, NONE of those people are close enough for me to call for lunch.)
4. Now, when I walk out of my room I just see a bathroom and an empty bedroom...instead of 22 other bedrooms full of people ready to go to Target, for a ride, or watch endless hours of TV... (I also see a cat and a dog, but neither of them can go to Target with me.)
5. I can't skip work to watch a wedding story. (Bird & Teensy)
6. There is NOT as many delivery options once you leave a campus area. (or if you live in Waukesha...)
7. I have to drive a lot more...walking to the nearest bar now requires many more hours scheduled in and quite an aerobic feat.
10. In the real world there's way more serious problems than the latest CR drama...not to mention a much more hefty punishment than a $10 fine.
11. When I shop with my friends from home, no one gets my boobs...I miss Sukie. (Thanks to the good ol' reduction of 2007 this is not as much of a problem anymore. I still talk about boobs with Sukie though...that hasn't changed.)
12. When I want to talk about DU I have to call Sae instead of going down to her room. (thanks to the recently instated weekly chats, this has become not *as* big of a problem).
13. My ability to get any season of Friends, The O.C. or Sex in the City has taken a serious hit... (Thanks to streaming netflix, nick at night, and E! this hit has been substantially fixed).
14. Now when I wake up at 11:00 I can't stroll down to the kitchen to see Connie's latest surprise...I have to make my own damn surprise. (Still making my own damn surprises.)
15. When I walk out my front door...I see more front doors, instead of a gorgeous skyline view of Minneapolis. (Still true...Oh MPLS Skyline, I still miss you!)
16. Fountain diet cokes just aren't as good w/ out those damn weasels from Sioux Fu with me... (Again, still true.)
17. Doing stupid shit (a.k.a. singing into a brush, shoving a pillow in your sweatshirt, falling over a box of detergent, etc) is not nearly as much fun without the other half of Angina doing it with you. (Oh my, still VERY true.)
18. When you sing at the dinner table before dinner every Monday night and you're NOT in a sorority house, your boyfriend looks at you strange. (HA! Add this to "silver linings to living alone" list... I can sing whenever I damn please. Before dinner, during dinner, whenever I want!)
19. St. Paul is not nearly as far from Minneapolis as it seemed to be when you consider how far away from Milwaukee it is...I miss AGR. (Oh AGR. I still remember you fondly.)
20. Finding out the latest gossip from Facebook is slightly depressing...I'd rather sit in the informal and gather it from Sukie. (Thank you e-mails from Sukie, I'm still getting it from the same source.)
21. I no longer have to worry about who may stumble in my room at 3 a.m. to steal shit (Hazelkorn & Luke, I actually miss it!) (I don't miss it that much. I'm actually quite comfortable with no one sneaking in my room, thanks.)
I know there's a million other reasons I miss college...but I have to answer to the real world sometime this afternoon.
Flash forward to 2011 and most of these reasons still stand (updates / commentary on these reasons from 2011 Angie are in italics.)
1. I miss hearing my alarm go off and the only thought running through my head was "I don't have an exam today...skip it." and sleeping in for another few hours. (the 2011 version of this is, "I don't have an early meeting today, I'll snooze for another 10 minutes.)
2. At any given moment on any given day I could stroll to DU's porch, call Clint, Tom, Jeremy, Joe, or Tripod in the early days and have a friend to sit on the porch with...which would then turn into a group to sit on the porch with. (those boys are SO far away...and I don't have a porch).
3. If I was lonely for lunch, I knew I could call Tor (who would always be willing to skip class-for a ride from Carlson), Nuke and/or Clint (who would always do lunch, as long as I paid), or Jeremy (who at the very least would come to Alpha Chi for lunch). (Again, NONE of those people are close enough for me to call for lunch.)
4. Now, when I walk out of my room I just see a bathroom and an empty bedroom...instead of 22 other bedrooms full of people ready to go to Target, for a ride, or watch endless hours of TV... (I also see a cat and a dog, but neither of them can go to Target with me.)
5. I can't skip work to watch a wedding story. (Bird & Teensy)
6. There is NOT as many delivery options once you leave a campus area. (or if you live in Waukesha...)
7. I have to drive a lot more...walking to the nearest bar now requires many more hours scheduled in and quite an aerobic feat.
10. In the real world there's way more serious problems than the latest CR drama...not to mention a much more hefty punishment than a $10 fine.
11. When I shop with my friends from home, no one gets my boobs...I miss Sukie. (Thanks to the good ol' reduction of 2007 this is not as much of a problem anymore. I still talk about boobs with Sukie though...that hasn't changed.)
12. When I want to talk about DU I have to call Sae instead of going down to her room. (thanks to the recently instated weekly chats, this has become not *as* big of a problem).
13. My ability to get any season of Friends, The O.C. or Sex in the City has taken a serious hit... (Thanks to streaming netflix, nick at night, and E! this hit has been substantially fixed).
14. Now when I wake up at 11:00 I can't stroll down to the kitchen to see Connie's latest surprise...I have to make my own damn surprise. (Still making my own damn surprises.)
15. When I walk out my front door...I see more front doors, instead of a gorgeous skyline view of Minneapolis. (Still true...Oh MPLS Skyline, I still miss you!)
16. Fountain diet cokes just aren't as good w/ out those damn weasels from Sioux Fu with me... (Again, still true.)
17. Doing stupid shit (a.k.a. singing into a brush, shoving a pillow in your sweatshirt, falling over a box of detergent, etc) is not nearly as much fun without the other half of Angina doing it with you. (Oh my, still VERY true.)
18. When you sing at the dinner table before dinner every Monday night and you're NOT in a sorority house, your boyfriend looks at you strange. (HA! Add this to "silver linings to living alone" list... I can sing whenever I damn please. Before dinner, during dinner, whenever I want!)
19. St. Paul is not nearly as far from Minneapolis as it seemed to be when you consider how far away from Milwaukee it is...I miss AGR. (Oh AGR. I still remember you fondly.)
20. Finding out the latest gossip from Facebook is slightly depressing...I'd rather sit in the informal and gather it from Sukie. (Thank you e-mails from Sukie, I'm still getting it from the same source.)
21. I no longer have to worry about who may stumble in my room at 3 a.m. to steal shit (Hazelkorn & Luke, I actually miss it!) (I don't miss it that much. I'm actually quite comfortable with no one sneaking in my room, thanks.)
I know there's a million other reasons I miss college...but I have to answer to the real world sometime this afternoon.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Pity Party.
(Disclaimer: This post is kind of gritty. It's not as peppy as my last few have been. But in being true to the purpose of this blog - documenting my life - and to my readers / friends, I'm sharing some thoughts. Also, I'm sick. Which makes me a whiny little bitch who's sad about life in general...so there's that.)
I allowed myself to have a momentary pity party this weekend. I think sometimes it's necessary and at the root of it, I was being honest with myself about my feelings. And while for the most part (I'd even go as far as to say the greater majority of time) I am just as happy and content as my latest posts have made it sound. I have so much good in my life, it's hard not to be. But sometimes, just sometimes, I'm still sad and a little pissed. Actually, it's probably more like a little sad and a lotta pissed. And that's okay. At least, I'm okay with it.
I still look at my ex's facebook profile occasionally. This is stupid. I know this is stupid. I know anyone who's ever broken up with anyone who just read that statement is thinking about what a bad idea that is. I also know, anyone who's ever broken up with anyone, has been curious. There have been times where that curiosity has paid off. Even this past weekend...when he made a comment about being so lucky (because he gets so drunk) he loses everything when he goes out. Lost his keys, his wallet, his phone and even his car. BUT, lo and behold, he found everything because he's so lucky. This? PISSED ME OFF.
And before you get all "silver lining" on me, know this. I get it. I dodged a bullet. I am so freaking thankful it's not me dealing with the "after math" come the morning when he's blacked out the night before and doesn't know most of what happened or where most of his things are. I am SO happy about that. However, it still pisses me off that some people can be so stupid about life and still get away without consequences. THAT makes me angry.
Then I see things about girls, pictures with girls, comments by girls. Let's get something straight here. I have said to many people on many occasions, I am very glad, looking back, that I am not with him. He is not the right person for me, and frankly the way he lives his life is so not in accordance with how I want to live mine. What I'm sad about is that I am no longer in a relationship. The relationship I was in, wasn't what I thought it was. I am upset that I spent 2 1/2 years of my life in what I now see was a sham. Through no fault of my own. This makes me angry. I don't want to be with him, I never want to be in any sort of relationship with him. But dammit, that doesn't mean I want him to be in one first! (I know, I'm 12 right now, deal.)
I am angry that I feel as though I'm doing everything right. Placing myself in the right position to be happy in a relationship. I am angry that he is doing everything wrong and still manages to get away in situations that appear to be consequence free. I do realize that while it appears this way, living your life like that will catch up to you (as I believe it has, twice.) I know that while things might not always happen the way you want them to or when you want them to, good things come to those who wait. That I can rest assured I'm doing things the "right way" and that it will pay off in the end. I understand if I wanted to, I could be dating someone. But instead I refuse to compromise my standards and am waiting for something better, something I deserve.
If I'm being entirely honest (which, quite obviously, I am), I'm also a little saddened by the fact that I spent so many months being so angry with and directing so much hate towards his ex-fiance. And now I realize I never truly knew the real story. That there's a good chance some very similar things are being said about me to new girls, that he told me about her. I suppose it's very easy to create a monster out of a stranger.
I do my very best to live life without regrets. I understand that I learned some very clear lessons about life and relationships from the past 3 years. I know that it has changed the way I will function in future relationships and what I will no longer tolerate, what I'm calling my list of "non-negotiables." Three years ago today I met him for the first time in person. I am angry that I have had to put up with what I have over the past 3 years. I'm disappointed that friends and family have been hurt in the process. Truthfully, I'm sad that it seems as though other girls will fall into the same pattern.
But the best I can do now is take those lessons, develop my non-negotiables and move forward. Because there's only one person who controls your happiness and that's you. He took enough of my time, effort, emotion and support. I'm redirecting that to me...and in the future, towards someone who deserves it and will appreciate it.
I'll be back to happy, "whoops I took African Dance" like posts tomorrow - just wrapping up my pity party.
I allowed myself to have a momentary pity party this weekend. I think sometimes it's necessary and at the root of it, I was being honest with myself about my feelings. And while for the most part (I'd even go as far as to say the greater majority of time) I am just as happy and content as my latest posts have made it sound. I have so much good in my life, it's hard not to be. But sometimes, just sometimes, I'm still sad and a little pissed. Actually, it's probably more like a little sad and a lotta pissed. And that's okay. At least, I'm okay with it.
I still look at my ex's facebook profile occasionally. This is stupid. I know this is stupid. I know anyone who's ever broken up with anyone who just read that statement is thinking about what a bad idea that is. I also know, anyone who's ever broken up with anyone, has been curious. There have been times where that curiosity has paid off. Even this past weekend...when he made a comment about being so lucky (because he gets so drunk) he loses everything when he goes out. Lost his keys, his wallet, his phone and even his car. BUT, lo and behold, he found everything because he's so lucky. This? PISSED ME OFF.
And before you get all "silver lining" on me, know this. I get it. I dodged a bullet. I am so freaking thankful it's not me dealing with the "after math" come the morning when he's blacked out the night before and doesn't know most of what happened or where most of his things are. I am SO happy about that. However, it still pisses me off that some people can be so stupid about life and still get away without consequences. THAT makes me angry.
Then I see things about girls, pictures with girls, comments by girls. Let's get something straight here. I have said to many people on many occasions, I am very glad, looking back, that I am not with him. He is not the right person for me, and frankly the way he lives his life is so not in accordance with how I want to live mine. What I'm sad about is that I am no longer in a relationship. The relationship I was in, wasn't what I thought it was. I am upset that I spent 2 1/2 years of my life in what I now see was a sham. Through no fault of my own. This makes me angry. I don't want to be with him, I never want to be in any sort of relationship with him. But dammit, that doesn't mean I want him to be in one first! (I know, I'm 12 right now, deal.)
I am angry that I feel as though I'm doing everything right. Placing myself in the right position to be happy in a relationship. I am angry that he is doing everything wrong and still manages to get away in situations that appear to be consequence free. I do realize that while it appears this way, living your life like that will catch up to you (as I believe it has, twice.) I know that while things might not always happen the way you want them to or when you want them to, good things come to those who wait. That I can rest assured I'm doing things the "right way" and that it will pay off in the end. I understand if I wanted to, I could be dating someone. But instead I refuse to compromise my standards and am waiting for something better, something I deserve.
If I'm being entirely honest (which, quite obviously, I am), I'm also a little saddened by the fact that I spent so many months being so angry with and directing so much hate towards his ex-fiance. And now I realize I never truly knew the real story. That there's a good chance some very similar things are being said about me to new girls, that he told me about her. I suppose it's very easy to create a monster out of a stranger.
I do my very best to live life without regrets. I understand that I learned some very clear lessons about life and relationships from the past 3 years. I know that it has changed the way I will function in future relationships and what I will no longer tolerate, what I'm calling my list of "non-negotiables." Three years ago today I met him for the first time in person. I am angry that I have had to put up with what I have over the past 3 years. I'm disappointed that friends and family have been hurt in the process. Truthfully, I'm sad that it seems as though other girls will fall into the same pattern.
But the best I can do now is take those lessons, develop my non-negotiables and move forward. Because there's only one person who controls your happiness and that's you. He took enough of my time, effort, emotion and support. I'm redirecting that to me...and in the future, towards someone who deserves it and will appreciate it.
I'll be back to happy, "whoops I took African Dance" like posts tomorrow - just wrapping up my pity party.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
How I accidentally learned African Dance
If you follow me on the twitter or read my updates on the book, you may already be savvy to the story that I accidentally took an African Dance class over my lunch hour on Wednesday. While many were entertained by this (which I'm always happy to provide) the most common reaction was, "how exactly does that happen?" Although, my pal Brigid did comment that it could possibly be the best status ever...from which I beamed with pride.
So, I figured it's only fair that because I have another communication vehicle that lets me elaborate more than 160 characters, I'd answer that question.
The short version is: I can't read a schedule, am easily convinced and fell victim to a last minute decision change.
The long version is this:
Given my looming punishment of running, I've been doing very well at making sure I get in four workouts a week. One way I'm making sure this happens is fitting in my lunchtime workouts. These are like little treasures I love.
I'm straying here a little bit but stay with me. (I find myself asking you to do that more and more lately.) Post-work work-outs (so many hyphens) are tough because there is almost always something I'd rather be doing. Pre-work work-outs are tough because I hate getting out of bed in the morning, have daily battles with the snooze button, and just pretty much don't work. So there's that. Lunch time work-outs (when they fit and I can sneak away) are fantastical. They clear my mind, pump me full of energy for the afternoon, and are just great little breaks in my day.
So back to the story, I had planned to work out over lunch. I checked the gym's schedule and the lower Bodyworks class I liked so much was at 11:30. Perfect, packed up at 11:20, walked over to the gym, changed and headed to the room where the class was. That's when this other woman starts talking about Zumba. How they've had a hard time finding an instructor, and last week there was a sub who taught this African Dance class, yadda yadda yadda. (This is when I realize I can't read a schedule.) She clearly points out (in a very polite way...polite as in "I could be working with someone special here" polite) that zumba is from 11:30-12:15 and Bodyworks is from 12:30-1:00. Perfect.
But at this point, I'm here, I'm changed, I'm ready to sweat. And she says, "you should totally just stay for Zumba!" (Here's where I'm easily convinced.) I thought, "I was really hoping for strength training, but I like zumba, and I have time...I'm already here! SURE! Let's ZUMBA!"
In walks the instructor. He plugs in his ipod and I hear drums and chanting. Not like "ole!" but more like I'm picturing the open scene to Lion King chanting. The ONLY OTHER person in the room (my friend who helped me read a calendar) asks, "So are you teaching African Zumba today?" and he just giggles and turns around to start class. And this? This is when I think to myself, "Fuck, I'm in an African Dance class."
Two other ladies joined us shortly after class started. But there was at maximum FOUR PEOPLE in the class. Which, if you're picturing this at home, makes you realize how much of an ass I would have felt like if I had peaced out on the class. So there I am, taking an African Dance class. (Note here, the two other woman who joined late, did in fact peace out. I bet they realized they were accidentally taking African Dance too.)
It should be noted here. I'm not a good dancer. I can keep up, I "get" the motions, but there's very little about it that looks natural or even good. But, given my 10+ years participating in and then coaching cheerleading, I function on a 5-6-7-8 basis. I live in the 5-6-7-8. African Dance takes 5-6-7-8 and beats the hell out of it with drums until you no longer can find 5-6-7-8. The instructor calls this "beat changes" and that's what you use to know where you're at in the dance. After 45 minutes, I never found these so-called beat changes.
It should also be noted that I'm a stiff person. As much as I like to think that I'm a damn good hip-hop booty shaker (and I am, in my mind, when I'm alone, in my car), my body doesn't actually move the way I think it does in my mind. African Dance is all about feeling those beat changes and fluid, flowing motions. And again I reiterate, at no point was anything I was doing flowing or fluid. Jerky and awkward at best. There was rolling on the floor (I have bruises to prove it) and another where we emulated elephants. I'm certain nothing I did looked anything like any elephant I've ever seen.
But, here's the thing: I tried something new. I didn't hate it (I don't know that I'll be running back to the class, but I didn't hate it.) The instructor supposedly trained in Africa (which makes it pretty legit given he was a skinny white boy). However, he kept changing things as we were going along, because he made it up as we went. He also seemed pretty into showing off his moves. It's minor complaining, but if you're going to teach a bunch of white girls who think they're in Zumba, maybe you come in with a dance already choreographed and keep it simple. We're all already lost, your fancy moves are only making us feel less capable.
According to my heart rate monitor I burned 415 calories, not bad for an accidental workout. And on Thursday morning, my ass informed me, it had gotten a workout as I walked up and down stairs. So I'll take it as a win.
Plus, I get to say things like, "I accidentally took an African Dance class over lunch."
So, I figured it's only fair that because I have another communication vehicle that lets me elaborate more than 160 characters, I'd answer that question.
The short version is: I can't read a schedule, am easily convinced and fell victim to a last minute decision change.
The long version is this:
Given my looming punishment of running, I've been doing very well at making sure I get in four workouts a week. One way I'm making sure this happens is fitting in my lunchtime workouts. These are like little treasures I love.
I'm straying here a little bit but stay with me. (I find myself asking you to do that more and more lately.) Post-work work-outs (so many hyphens) are tough because there is almost always something I'd rather be doing. Pre-work work-outs are tough because I hate getting out of bed in the morning, have daily battles with the snooze button, and just pretty much don't work. So there's that. Lunch time work-outs (when they fit and I can sneak away) are fantastical. They clear my mind, pump me full of energy for the afternoon, and are just great little breaks in my day.
So back to the story, I had planned to work out over lunch. I checked the gym's schedule and the lower Bodyworks class I liked so much was at 11:30. Perfect, packed up at 11:20, walked over to the gym, changed and headed to the room where the class was. That's when this other woman starts talking about Zumba. How they've had a hard time finding an instructor, and last week there was a sub who taught this African Dance class, yadda yadda yadda. (This is when I realize I can't read a schedule.) She clearly points out (in a very polite way...polite as in "I could be working with someone special here" polite) that zumba is from 11:30-12:15 and Bodyworks is from 12:30-1:00. Perfect.
But at this point, I'm here, I'm changed, I'm ready to sweat. And she says, "you should totally just stay for Zumba!" (Here's where I'm easily convinced.) I thought, "I was really hoping for strength training, but I like zumba, and I have time...I'm already here! SURE! Let's ZUMBA!"
In walks the instructor. He plugs in his ipod and I hear drums and chanting. Not like "ole!" but more like I'm picturing the open scene to Lion King chanting. The ONLY OTHER person in the room (my friend who helped me read a calendar) asks, "So are you teaching African Zumba today?" and he just giggles and turns around to start class. And this? This is when I think to myself, "Fuck, I'm in an African Dance class."
Two other ladies joined us shortly after class started. But there was at maximum FOUR PEOPLE in the class. Which, if you're picturing this at home, makes you realize how much of an ass I would have felt like if I had peaced out on the class. So there I am, taking an African Dance class. (Note here, the two other woman who joined late, did in fact peace out. I bet they realized they were accidentally taking African Dance too.)
It should be noted here. I'm not a good dancer. I can keep up, I "get" the motions, but there's very little about it that looks natural or even good. But, given my 10+ years participating in and then coaching cheerleading, I function on a 5-6-7-8 basis. I live in the 5-6-7-8. African Dance takes 5-6-7-8 and beats the hell out of it with drums until you no longer can find 5-6-7-8. The instructor calls this "beat changes" and that's what you use to know where you're at in the dance. After 45 minutes, I never found these so-called beat changes.
It should also be noted that I'm a stiff person. As much as I like to think that I'm a damn good hip-hop booty shaker (and I am, in my mind, when I'm alone, in my car), my body doesn't actually move the way I think it does in my mind. African Dance is all about feeling those beat changes and fluid, flowing motions. And again I reiterate, at no point was anything I was doing flowing or fluid. Jerky and awkward at best. There was rolling on the floor (I have bruises to prove it) and another where we emulated elephants. I'm certain nothing I did looked anything like any elephant I've ever seen.
But, here's the thing: I tried something new. I didn't hate it (I don't know that I'll be running back to the class, but I didn't hate it.) The instructor supposedly trained in Africa (which makes it pretty legit given he was a skinny white boy). However, he kept changing things as we were going along, because he made it up as we went. He also seemed pretty into showing off his moves. It's minor complaining, but if you're going to teach a bunch of white girls who think they're in Zumba, maybe you come in with a dance already choreographed and keep it simple. We're all already lost, your fancy moves are only making us feel less capable.
According to my heart rate monitor I burned 415 calories, not bad for an accidental workout. And on Thursday morning, my ass informed me, it had gotten a workout as I walked up and down stairs. So I'll take it as a win.
Plus, I get to say things like, "I accidentally took an African Dance class over lunch."
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Revelation: Part Duh
Give yourself 5 cool points if you know "Part Duh".
Now moving on to the second revelation I've had. Actually, pause right there for a second. Because in the midst of these posts I've had a mini-revelation. That being, I had no idea how to spell revelation, and apparently my fingers disagree with the spell check and keep wanting to spell it "revalation." So there's that.
Moving right along...
Part duh of this revealing process is more me focused than the first. I looked around and found all the reasons people are in relationships. There's a shitload of reasons, naturally, but let's hone in on a few, shall we? Happiness, friendship, comfort, support, and an overall enhanced life. Yes? And while I know someday I'll find some one who I'll have a eleventy billion reasons to be with too. However, I don't have to rely on someone for those things. I can have all those things without being in a relationship. (I know what you're thinking, DUH.) But stick with me.
Happiness? Check. I'm pretty damn happy 99.9% of the time. In general, I'm just a happy person.
Friendship? Have I not mentioned here, on twitter, on the book, in real life, via conversations, I have the best friends and family a girl could ask for? That they're scattered all over this great land and I get to see them and talk to them all the time? Let's call this a big, fat CHECK.
Comfort? Sure, there are times when I'm home alone and there's a spider when I am not comfortable. Or I hear a scary noise when it's very, very dark in the house and I wish I had someone else there with me. But overall, I am, and am getting, quite comfortable with life as it is now.
Support? See "friendship." Oh, and check.
I have those things in my life and I am working on improving them every single day. When I meet "him" in the future, I want him to have those things too. I want "us" to enhance each others' happiness, support network, friends, and comfort. I would be pretty turned off by someone who was waiting around for me to make them happy, give them friends, or be their sole support...so I can't (and won't) expect that out of anyone else.
I might not be actively seeking dates via online dating. But what I am doing is making me the best me I can be. The happiest, healthiest, most wonderful version of Angie I can be on my own. So that when I meet "him" he can enhance instead of having to define me. And by doing so, I think I'll attract people of the same mindset.
So I guess we're full circle, back to do what you love and he'll be waiting.
Here I go!
Now moving on to the second revelation I've had. Actually, pause right there for a second. Because in the midst of these posts I've had a mini-revelation. That being, I had no idea how to spell revelation, and apparently my fingers disagree with the spell check and keep wanting to spell it "revalation." So there's that.
Moving right along...
Part duh of this revealing process is more me focused than the first. I looked around and found all the reasons people are in relationships. There's a shitload of reasons, naturally, but let's hone in on a few, shall we? Happiness, friendship, comfort, support, and an overall enhanced life. Yes? And while I know someday I'll find some one who I'll have a eleventy billion reasons to be with too. However, I don't have to rely on someone for those things. I can have all those things without being in a relationship. (I know what you're thinking, DUH.) But stick with me.
Happiness? Check. I'm pretty damn happy 99.9% of the time. In general, I'm just a happy person.
Friendship? Have I not mentioned here, on twitter, on the book, in real life, via conversations, I have the best friends and family a girl could ask for? That they're scattered all over this great land and I get to see them and talk to them all the time? Let's call this a big, fat CHECK.
Comfort? Sure, there are times when I'm home alone and there's a spider when I am not comfortable. Or I hear a scary noise when it's very, very dark in the house and I wish I had someone else there with me. But overall, I am, and am getting, quite comfortable with life as it is now.
Support? See "friendship." Oh, and check.
I have those things in my life and I am working on improving them every single day. When I meet "him" in the future, I want him to have those things too. I want "us" to enhance each others' happiness, support network, friends, and comfort. I would be pretty turned off by someone who was waiting around for me to make them happy, give them friends, or be their sole support...so I can't (and won't) expect that out of anyone else.
I might not be actively seeking dates via online dating. But what I am doing is making me the best me I can be. The happiest, healthiest, most wonderful version of Angie I can be on my own. So that when I meet "him" he can enhance instead of having to define me. And by doing so, I think I'll attract people of the same mindset.
So I guess we're full circle, back to do what you love and he'll be waiting.
Here I go!
Revelations galore
I don't know what it is but I have just been having all sorts of revelations lately. I think it partially has to do with the fact that fall is near. And while it's been a whole five years since I've been starting a new school year come this time of year, after 23 years of school, I guess it's just engrained in my brain. This time of year always makes me feel like we're at a fresh start, maybe even more so than the new calendar year does. It was always a time of change. A new year, a new grade, different classes, different living arrangements, etc. The air changes, the smells change, even our wardrobe changes. So I suppose, given that many years of change at this time of year, it hasn't worn off yet. And I'm okay with that.
So here's a couple of these revelations of change I've been having lately. Not surprisingly (whatsoever) most of these have been in regards to dating. (Mid-post update: I started writing this post and then realized it was a novel. So you're only getting one revelation for today. You'll be thankful by the time you get to the end, trust me.)
I'm no longer messing with the universe.
I get online dating. I understand why people do it. I even understand that in many situations, it works. I suppose, in some fucked up way, you can even say it has worked for me in the past (that is, if we're using "worked" in the loosest sense possible.) But in talking with friends and co-workers recently, I feel like it has led me to feel like I'm messing just a little too much with "the plan." Whether you believe it's God, or the universe, or fate, most people believe there's a plan for our lives. And quite frankly I am starting to feel like I'm interfering with it. (And y'all know, as a huge planner myself, I am NOT a fan of f'ing with any plans.)
What I have always considered the biggest benefit to online dating has suddenly turned into the biggest drawback for me. You can narrow down a big ol' pool in no time at all, using the most specific (read: picky) parameters possible. Essentially, you feel like you're building a pool of elligible bachelors that are all "ideal." Weeding through hundreds and hundreds in a matter of minutes. But how can you really define ideal by those things? Sure I can check a shitload of boxes and end up with men who are all over 6' tall, speak English, graduated high school, have never been married, don't have kids, live within 25 miles of me, have a job, don't drink every day, like sports, stay active, go to church, etc. (Overwhelmed yet?)
But what if I don't even know what ideal is? I mean, let's face it. After 27 years of me selecting men for myself, it hasn't exactly ended up how I pictured it at 13. What if Mr. Ideal is 5'10? What if he's divorced? Or has a kid? Or lives 500 miles away from me? Sure, I could just leave all my parameters open while online dating, but seriously, I'm a little exhausted from weeding through the frogs as it is! And really, if I don't put anything down, isn't that just like dating in real life? It's much easier to "toss out" those guys when I know so little about them. Sure I can see their profile, flip through a couple pictures, but I don't know them.
And really, nothing compares to meeting someone. Surprisingly, I've noticed you learn 100 times more information about someone in just a few minutes of face to face interaction than in a handful of e-mails back and forth. Even though you're specifically information digging in those e-mails. And an experienced online dater has a list of their "get to know you" questions, even with those, nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to interpersonal communication. Interaction. The way people have been falling in love, lust and friendship for years and years.
So this revelation has led me to the (almost 100% decided) conclusion that I'm done with online dating. Everyone who really knows me keeps telling me they don't think this is how I'm going to meet "him". And I'm starting to think the same. Although, I also wonder if not this, then how? But that takes us to tomorrow's revelation...
So here's a couple of these revelations of change I've been having lately. Not surprisingly (whatsoever) most of these have been in regards to dating. (Mid-post update: I started writing this post and then realized it was a novel. So you're only getting one revelation for today. You'll be thankful by the time you get to the end, trust me.)
I'm no longer messing with the universe.
I get online dating. I understand why people do it. I even understand that in many situations, it works. I suppose, in some fucked up way, you can even say it has worked for me in the past (that is, if we're using "worked" in the loosest sense possible.) But in talking with friends and co-workers recently, I feel like it has led me to feel like I'm messing just a little too much with "the plan." Whether you believe it's God, or the universe, or fate, most people believe there's a plan for our lives. And quite frankly I am starting to feel like I'm interfering with it. (And y'all know, as a huge planner myself, I am NOT a fan of f'ing with any plans.)
What I have always considered the biggest benefit to online dating has suddenly turned into the biggest drawback for me. You can narrow down a big ol' pool in no time at all, using the most specific (read: picky) parameters possible. Essentially, you feel like you're building a pool of elligible bachelors that are all "ideal." Weeding through hundreds and hundreds in a matter of minutes. But how can you really define ideal by those things? Sure I can check a shitload of boxes and end up with men who are all over 6' tall, speak English, graduated high school, have never been married, don't have kids, live within 25 miles of me, have a job, don't drink every day, like sports, stay active, go to church, etc. (Overwhelmed yet?)
But what if I don't even know what ideal is? I mean, let's face it. After 27 years of me selecting men for myself, it hasn't exactly ended up how I pictured it at 13. What if Mr. Ideal is 5'10? What if he's divorced? Or has a kid? Or lives 500 miles away from me? Sure, I could just leave all my parameters open while online dating, but seriously, I'm a little exhausted from weeding through the frogs as it is! And really, if I don't put anything down, isn't that just like dating in real life? It's much easier to "toss out" those guys when I know so little about them. Sure I can see their profile, flip through a couple pictures, but I don't know them.
And really, nothing compares to meeting someone. Surprisingly, I've noticed you learn 100 times more information about someone in just a few minutes of face to face interaction than in a handful of e-mails back and forth. Even though you're specifically information digging in those e-mails. And an experienced online dater has a list of their "get to know you" questions, even with those, nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to interpersonal communication. Interaction. The way people have been falling in love, lust and friendship for years and years.
So this revelation has led me to the (almost 100% decided) conclusion that I'm done with online dating. Everyone who really knows me keeps telling me they don't think this is how I'm going to meet "him". And I'm starting to think the same. Although, I also wonder if not this, then how? But that takes us to tomorrow's revelation...
Monday, September 12, 2011
Updating with no real update.
It was brought to my attention by my self-proclaimed biggest fan, that if I don't provide an update today it will be a full week without any new posts. This is the double edged sword of posting a lot, the fans start to expect it! (That's right, the fans.)
However, I suppose the reason I haven't posted much is because there isn't much to post. Lately when people have been asking for an "update" on my life, I just keep saying, "It's the same really." or "I've got nothing." I really don't. Things are pretty stable around here with very little changing. And I'm kind of okay with that! I've been mentioning that as we ease into Fall I'm planning on pumping the brakes a little bit and slowing things down and I guess I've begun to do that.
Dating is still pretty much the bane of my existence. The men I've met are continuing to bore me. I'm sorry, I know it sounds harsh and it's probably a smidge mean. But really, I'm bored. I'm so not feeling wowed. For a fleeting moment, I thought maybe I could possibly be intrigued. Then I felt like I was kissing my brother. So that fizzled. That seems to be how this "dating" this is going right now. Which I'm pretty okay with. Oddly enough, a co-worker and my best friend both sent me different quotes / mantras they found that both had almost the exact same quote in it...
However, I suppose the reason I haven't posted much is because there isn't much to post. Lately when people have been asking for an "update" on my life, I just keep saying, "It's the same really." or "I've got nothing." I really don't. Things are pretty stable around here with very little changing. And I'm kind of okay with that! I've been mentioning that as we ease into Fall I'm planning on pumping the brakes a little bit and slowing things down and I guess I've begun to do that.
Dating is still pretty much the bane of my existence. The men I've met are continuing to bore me. I'm sorry, I know it sounds harsh and it's probably a smidge mean. But really, I'm bored. I'm so not feeling wowed. For a fleeting moment, I thought maybe I could possibly be intrigued. Then I felt like I was kissing my brother. So that fizzled. That seems to be how this "dating" this is going right now. Which I'm pretty okay with. Oddly enough, a co-worker and my best friend both sent me different quotes / mantras they found that both had almost the exact same quote in it...
"Stop looking for love. Instead, do what you love and he'll be there waiting."
So I'm kind of adopting that as my mantra, and I'm good with it. Not to mention, I just feel like I've been seeing a lot of not so great relationships around me. People who are generally just unhappy (and maybe can't even see it, but it's clear to the rest of us) and it's just not doing much to make the grass look all that greener. Instead I'm finding ways to make me the happiest me I can be on my own. So no matter what, with or without a man, I'm happy as hell. (It's working too...in case you were wondering.)
And for one other update (because really, working out and dating are the only two variables right now!), my ultimatum workout plan. Good news! We are one week further with no threat running!
Last week got a little too close for comfort though! Allergies wreaked havoc on me and my sinuses and my ability to stay awake. Which led to cramming in all 4 workouts in the last 4 days of my week!
Monday-Wednesday: NADA
Thursday: I literally dragged my butt out of bed from a nap to walk. Hated every minute of it, but I did it.
Friday: Spin over lunch, felt great!
Saturday: Long walk with the pup (in which she gave up half way and I almost had to carry all 20 pounds of her home...it was hotter than I thought out. And like me, she doesn't do heat well.)
Sunday: morning Spin class (I almost slept through it and in the last minute I jumped out of bed, changed, brushed my teeth and hauled ass to the gym. I made it and was beaming on my walk out. )
This week looks like this:
Monday: Rest day (4 days in a row warrants one day off, I'd say. Even if it was self inflicted).
Tuesday: Yoga over lunch
Wednesday: Lower Bodyworks over Lunch
Thursday: Possible walk after work / Rest Day
Friday: Spin over lunch
Saturday / Sunday: Bodyworks or Spin (depending on how the wknd plays out).
Also - little disclaimer: Sorry if this whole workout update is boring for any of my "fans", but it does help me feel more accountable. Even if it is just to my internet "friends". And lord knows, I need accountability. I mean I'm threatening myself to work out?!
So I'm kind of adopting that as my mantra, and I'm good with it. Not to mention, I just feel like I've been seeing a lot of not so great relationships around me. People who are generally just unhappy (and maybe can't even see it, but it's clear to the rest of us) and it's just not doing much to make the grass look all that greener. Instead I'm finding ways to make me the happiest me I can be on my own. So no matter what, with or without a man, I'm happy as hell. (It's working too...in case you were wondering.)
And for one other update (because really, working out and dating are the only two variables right now!), my ultimatum workout plan. Good news! We are one week further with no threat running!
Last week got a little too close for comfort though! Allergies wreaked havoc on me and my sinuses and my ability to stay awake. Which led to cramming in all 4 workouts in the last 4 days of my week!
Monday-Wednesday: NADA
Thursday: I literally dragged my butt out of bed from a nap to walk. Hated every minute of it, but I did it.
Friday: Spin over lunch, felt great!
Saturday: Long walk with the pup (in which she gave up half way and I almost had to carry all 20 pounds of her home...it was hotter than I thought out. And like me, she doesn't do heat well.)
Sunday: morning Spin class (I almost slept through it and in the last minute I jumped out of bed, changed, brushed my teeth and hauled ass to the gym. I made it and was beaming on my walk out. )
This week looks like this:
Monday: Rest day (4 days in a row warrants one day off, I'd say. Even if it was self inflicted).
Tuesday: Yoga over lunch
Wednesday: Lower Bodyworks over Lunch
Thursday: Possible walk after work / Rest Day
Friday: Spin over lunch
Saturday / Sunday: Bodyworks or Spin (depending on how the wknd plays out).
Also - little disclaimer: Sorry if this whole workout update is boring for any of my "fans", but it does help me feel more accountable. Even if it is just to my internet "friends". And lord knows, I need accountability. I mean I'm threatening myself to work out?!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
All my "friends"
Before I panicked about Blogger's new interface, I did some reviewing of the statistics about my blog. I don't usually check statistics of my blog, because my "fan base" consists of "followers" who I see on a pretty frequent basis. So my statistics usually go something like my mom telling me she read my blog post. Or my friends telling me I don't need to tell them updates because they've already read the post. (Hi friends! Hi mom!)
The statistics did inform me of some searches that have led people to my blog, including my favorite three:
However, the discovery that made me the happiest is that Charm City Kim, who's blog was one of the very first blogs I ever got hooked on, has me listed on her Blog Roll under a title that sounds like I wrote it, "Bloggers Who I Pretend I Know in Real Life Because I Read Their Blogs so often…" For serious. I know that at least once, I have referenced something I read on Kim's blog by saying, "One of my friends..." because that's far easier than saying, "Oh, I heard something like that on a blog I read daily, written by a person I have never met, don't know and probably will never know in a real life situation."
So without further ado I give you my list of "Bloggers Who I Pretend I Know in Real Life Because I Read Their Blogs so often…"
Amy of The Book Worm Wife - Though, to be fair, Amy lives in Milwaukee so I suppose at some point it's more realistic I could meet her than the others. Plus she pretty much play-by-played their entire wedding planning process. I was hooked.
John & Sherry of Young House Love - Seriously, I long to have as much creative DIY talent in my whole body as these people do in their right thumb.
Jen of Prior Fat Girl - She lives in Minneapolis and sometimes wishes she lived in Milwaukee, which logically (in my head at least) makes me feel like I pretty much know her in real life.
Rachel of The Life and Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson - I don't remember how I found her but pretty much feel like we're old friends. This girl cracks me up, tells it like it is, and uses words like bangover and sorostitute. What's not to love?
Annie of Hootenannie - If Rachel is my internet friend because she is like me, Annie is my internet friend because she has so many qualities I envy in other people. She's kind and has this quiet but endearing presence. And her words could move mountains, I'm sure of it. Oh, and the girl can sing. (Which I most definitely CANNOT.)
Jessica of How Sweet Eats - As with many of these I'm a fool for thinking I'm introducing you to anything new, but in case you live under a rock and don't know about her. Get on it. She's hilarious, and teaches you to cook delicious delicious things. Sometimes with butter. Often with bacon.
Andrea & Renata of Andrea & Renata - These two make amazing things happen on film (or I suppose now in the digital age it's, "on film"). I still hope I can find a way to consider them Milwaukee is a destination and have them come document my wedding day. However by then I'm certain they'll be too busy photographing famous celebs and their weddings...they're that good!
Katie of From MaGerks to I Dos - Katie, without knowing it, more than once has helped me put my life in perspective when I think the world could be ending from a minor situation. She maintains this positive attitude no matter how much chaos her life has from raising the cutest little girl in the world.
The statistics did inform me of some searches that have led people to my blog, including my favorite three:
- "16 and pregnant is stupid" (that post also got 249 page views, I bet my mom is so proud! Also, my how my opinion has changed.)
- "OMG. WTF. FML."
- "is milwaukee an indian name"
However, the discovery that made me the happiest is that Charm City Kim, who's blog was one of the very first blogs I ever got hooked on, has me listed on her Blog Roll under a title that sounds like I wrote it, "Bloggers Who I Pretend I Know in Real Life Because I Read Their Blogs so often…" For serious. I know that at least once, I have referenced something I read on Kim's blog by saying, "One of my friends..." because that's far easier than saying, "Oh, I heard something like that on a blog I read daily, written by a person I have never met, don't know and probably will never know in a real life situation."
So without further ado I give you my list of "Bloggers Who I Pretend I Know in Real Life Because I Read Their Blogs so often…"
Amy of The Book Worm Wife - Though, to be fair, Amy lives in Milwaukee so I suppose at some point it's more realistic I could meet her than the others. Plus she pretty much play-by-played their entire wedding planning process. I was hooked.
John & Sherry of Young House Love - Seriously, I long to have as much creative DIY talent in my whole body as these people do in their right thumb.
Jen of Prior Fat Girl - She lives in Minneapolis and sometimes wishes she lived in Milwaukee, which logically (in my head at least) makes me feel like I pretty much know her in real life.
Rachel of The Life and Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson - I don't remember how I found her but pretty much feel like we're old friends. This girl cracks me up, tells it like it is, and uses words like bangover and sorostitute. What's not to love?
Annie of Hootenannie - If Rachel is my internet friend because she is like me, Annie is my internet friend because she has so many qualities I envy in other people. She's kind and has this quiet but endearing presence. And her words could move mountains, I'm sure of it. Oh, and the girl can sing. (Which I most definitely CANNOT.)
Jessica of How Sweet Eats - As with many of these I'm a fool for thinking I'm introducing you to anything new, but in case you live under a rock and don't know about her. Get on it. She's hilarious, and teaches you to cook delicious delicious things. Sometimes with butter. Often with bacon.
Andrea & Renata of Andrea & Renata - These two make amazing things happen on film (or I suppose now in the digital age it's, "on film"). I still hope I can find a way to consider them Milwaukee is a destination and have them come document my wedding day. However by then I'm certain they'll be too busy photographing famous celebs and their weddings...they're that good!
Katie of From MaGerks to I Dos - Katie, without knowing it, more than once has helped me put my life in perspective when I think the world could be ending from a minor situation. She maintains this positive attitude no matter how much chaos her life has from raising the cutest little girl in the world.
Monday Fake-out.
So while today is actually Tuesday, because of the holiday it still feels like a Monday. And because of that, I haven't had the chance to string together a coherent thought. So instead, you get randoms.
Blogger tried to change the interface on me. I got so lost I had to abandon this post, start over (using the old GUI) and re-post. Have I mentioned I'm not a huge fan of change?
Someone saw me this morning and told me I looked very cheery. That's abnormal considering I was a) at work and b) it's a fake Monday. I'll take it as a win though.
Update to my ultimatum workout: Last week was a success. I got 4 workouts in (just in the nick of time), meaning I do not have to run this week. Week one down. Running 0, Angie 1.
Sunday after spin I was SUPER sweaty and disgusting but also really wanted Starbucks. So, my super sweaty ass went to Starbucks. While I was there the following conversation happened with a woman in line behind me:
Nicest woman ever: You look like you just got done working out.
Me: Oh, I did. I'm disgusting, it was really hot in the room, but I needed this coffee to keep me going!
NWE: Good for you!
Me: Oh! Thanks (I thought she was politely trying to tell me I smelled, not compliment me).
NWE: No seriously, getting up early on a Sunday morning to work out, that's awesome.
Me: Oh my gosh, seriously, thank you so much! *biggest smile ever on my face*
NWE: Absolutely, well earned!
Related: I'd like to find a way to clone her, then shrink her and carry her around in my pocket...forever.
Plan for this working out this week:
Tuesday: Bodyworks after work
Wednesday: Walk with the monkey
Thursday: Yoga over lunch
Friday: Spin over lunch
Saturday / Sunday: Either bodyworks or spin (depending on which morning I'm more likely to wake up early).
Here's to week two not resulting in running.
Blogger tried to change the interface on me. I got so lost I had to abandon this post, start over (using the old GUI) and re-post. Have I mentioned I'm not a huge fan of change?
Someone saw me this morning and told me I looked very cheery. That's abnormal considering I was a) at work and b) it's a fake Monday. I'll take it as a win though.
Update to my ultimatum workout: Last week was a success. I got 4 workouts in (just in the nick of time), meaning I do not have to run this week. Week one down. Running 0, Angie 1.
Sunday after spin I was SUPER sweaty and disgusting but also really wanted Starbucks. So, my super sweaty ass went to Starbucks. While I was there the following conversation happened with a woman in line behind me:
Nicest woman ever: You look like you just got done working out.
Me: Oh, I did. I'm disgusting, it was really hot in the room, but I needed this coffee to keep me going!
NWE: Good for you!
Me: Oh! Thanks (I thought she was politely trying to tell me I smelled, not compliment me).
NWE: No seriously, getting up early on a Sunday morning to work out, that's awesome.
Me: Oh my gosh, seriously, thank you so much! *biggest smile ever on my face*
NWE: Absolutely, well earned!
Related: I'd like to find a way to clone her, then shrink her and carry her around in my pocket...forever.
Plan for this working out this week:
Tuesday: Bodyworks after work
Wednesday: Walk with the monkey
Thursday: Yoga over lunch
Friday: Spin over lunch
Saturday / Sunday: Either bodyworks or spin (depending on which morning I'm more likely to wake up early).
Here's to week two not resulting in running.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Bee in my bonnet.
Clearly I've got my undies in a bundle about this because I've already bitched on the book AND on twitter and I just haven't gotten it out of my system yet.
I hated when this happened last year and I hate it even more this year. The stupid facebook splattering of the supposed "Breast Cancer Awareness" by faking people into thinking you're pregnant and craving things. Last year it was saying where you hang your purse to make everyone (read: dudes) think you're saying your favorite place to have sex. This year they've taken it up a notch by making people (again, read: dudes) think you're preggers.
I get that it's not malicious, people are just having a good time and think it's cute. Sure, sure. But realistically, it does SQUAT to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. You want to create awareness? Post a statistic, instructions on how to check yourself (before you wreck yourself), locations of where you had your best mammogram? I don't know, do something breast cancer related.
In fact, here's an example:
You really want to help? Raise some money and do a walk. Feeling super ambitious, raise more money and walk 60 miles. Hell, if you're feeling lazy you can even Sleep in for a Cure and STILL be more helpful than the post on the book.
And that my friends, is my breast cancer awareness.
I hated when this happened last year and I hate it even more this year. The stupid facebook splattering of the supposed "Breast Cancer Awareness" by faking people into thinking you're pregnant and craving things. Last year it was saying where you hang your purse to make everyone (read: dudes) think you're saying your favorite place to have sex. This year they've taken it up a notch by making people (again, read: dudes) think you're preggers.
I get that it's not malicious, people are just having a good time and think it's cute. Sure, sure. But realistically, it does SQUAT to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. You want to create awareness? Post a statistic, instructions on how to check yourself (before you wreck yourself), locations of where you had your best mammogram? I don't know, do something breast cancer related.
In fact, here's an example:
- Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.
- Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
- Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.
- Young women get breast cancer. It’s a fact, not a myth. And while the chance of developing breast cancer under the age of 40 is lower, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned.
- Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.
- Those who have a known risk due to personal or family history should talk to their doctor.
You really want to help? Raise some money and do a walk. Feeling super ambitious, raise more money and walk 60 miles. Hell, if you're feeling lazy you can even Sleep in for a Cure and STILL be more helpful than the post on the book.
And that my friends, is my breast cancer awareness.
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