From time to time, I like to think about what it’d be like if I was a totally different girl. I don’t mean to complain; I truly love my life but sometimes, I just can’t help but think what if I was…
A roller derby girl. To me, these girls are so freaking hardcore. They just seem like the coolest, most badass girls ever, and secretly, I’d like to be more like them. I’ve honestly thought about checking out a practice or something, but let’s be honest: I’m too much of a baby. I have never broken a bone, or even bled that much. Also, not that into inflicting injury on others.
A sorority girl! In case it’s not obvious, I’m not exactly the sorority type, though I’ve had several good friends participate. Just not my deal. Still, since I didn’t do the whole go away to college thing, sometimes I long for that experience of going away and being a hot, fun, party girl…
A ballerina. I danced for a long time as a kid, and sometimes I wish I’d pursued it for longer. I think professional dancers are such incredibly disciplined athletes. I LOVE the Nutcracker and have always been totally infatuated with it, and fantasized about playing Clara for a long time…sadly, it will never happen, but a girl can dream, right?
Finally, the J. Crew girl. In my mind, this preppy, perfect girl is always put together. She never loses her keys. She never has a hair out of place or is grumpy or overeats or forgets to go to the gym. Of all of them, this is the girl I aspire to be like the most.
Sadly, it’s unlikely I’ll ever be any of the above…so for now, I’ll settle for being me.
I had a moment of weakness this morning, friends.
After my exceptionally happy evening last night, my good friend Chi, Andrew and I went out for celebration at TGI Fridays. We had some deliciously fatty appetizers (not good; however, planned for since I knew I’d be out) and two drinks. After which, by the way, I felt DISGUSTING. I don’t drink often any more, save for an occasional glass of wine, so two drinks really lights me on fire. My 22-24 year old selves are crying into a kamikaze somewhere because they are SO MORTIFIED that two Friday’s margaritas now push me into scary territory.
But I digress. This morning, I was not feeling my best, so I decided to stop and get a coffee and a donut. I’ve never been a huge donut girl myself, but for the past few months, I have found myself craving them. Like, seriously WANTING a donut all the time. Because I don’t like to reserve my emotional eating for only sad occasions—why discriminate?—I decided that I could continue last night’s celebration into this morning. The donut was delicious—fluffy, sweet, greasy and dripping with sugar glaze. I was really, really loving this thing as I sped down the highway to work. Apparently, I was enjoying it a little too much because I suddenly noticed I had some glaze on my hand. I, being classy as hell and having no napkins, went to lick it off. So, here I am, driving, donut in hand, LICKING MYSELF.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that the man next to me is totally watching me in horror. He smiled politely, the way all of us are inclined to do when someone is humiliating themself in front of us. I immediately drove faster and tried to escape his gaze.
I was mortified.
The good news about this moment is that it made me realize that I never, ever want to have it again. Starting to overhaul the way that I eat, adding an hour a day at the gym to my routine, and really making a more conscious decision to be healthy is a huge life choice. Never again do I want to be stared at for eating a donut like a little piggy. This was definitely an eye-opening experience and I am excited and more motivated than before to kick start this life change!
I really don’t have anything remotely snarky or funny to write today because I am too busy exhaling the past 2 years of stress. Today could be the best day I’ve had in years.
First, I graduated from my credential program tonight. I had to do a 30 minute presentation, compile a massive portfolio and a crate full of evidence that yes, I kinda sorta know how to teach. I did my thing tonight, and it went amazingly well. I immediately left and had drinks and appetizers with Andrew and my good friend Chi. It was thrilling.
The other big news is that I HAVE A JOB NEXT YEAR. If you’ve read a newspaper, you know that education has been experiencing severe cuts. I received a pink slip and had been incredibly worried and stressed about getting laid off. This morning, they announced the final list, and I am not being laid off. This is obviously bittersweet, as two of my closest friends are on the list. Still, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful.
Words fail me to express how great it is to feel the stress of a 2 year hellish program and several months of worrying evaporate into thin air on one day.
Oh, and I fit in a kick-ass workout this morning. YESSSSS!
Our actual before bedtime conversation:
ME: “Night, baby. Love you.”
ANDREW: “Love you, too.”
ME: “You gonna keep me?”*
ANDREW: “Yeah…”
ME: “For how long?”
ANDREW: “Ummm…when did your mom start showing signs of aging?”
ME: “Are you saying my mom looks old?”
ANDREW: “Shit.”
ME: “BLOGGING THIS!”
*I know, I know, this totally makes me gag**
**THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
Friday was a bit of a craptastic day, thanks to getting yelled at and state testing and a bunch of other yucky stuff. When I got home early on Friday, I’d originally planned on taking a nap before my evening. I laid down on the couch and in line with the day, I couldn’t fall asleep to save my life. A recipe I’d seen on the lovely food blog, Joy The Baker popped into my mind and I decided to bake Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.
These cookies are EASY—just four ingredients, and also the most delicious peanut butter cookies I’ve ever consumed. Seriously. They don’t make the biggest batch ever so we definitely made two batches. In three days. Don’t judge me. First, I live with a boy. Secondly, YOU HAVEN’T TRIED THEM.
Here are the steps:
apron!
Put on the adorable, pink-checkered apron with Paris and the Eiffel tower and black bows on it, that your equally adorable friend gave you for your birthday—thanks, Britt! This step is not essential, however, it adds to the cuteness factor of the experience.
No, I did not just put this on my stove—it’s just in a clear glass bowl. I never, ever promised good photography, remember? Anyways, combine 1 cup of peanut butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar. Blend together with a hand mixer for about 2 minutes. BE CAREFUL—this is a messy combo!
Add an egg and one teaspoon of baking powder. Mix again with hand mixer.
Form dough into walnut size balls, and then make cross marks with fork.
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet.
Try your hardest to let them cool for a few minutes. Seriously, good luck on that.
Then, consume, and expect that your day, no matter how good OR craptastic, will improve dramatically.
I love surveys, and my boyfriend, so this seemed like a perfect combo. Plus, people have asked me several of these questions lately, particularly after the poker post…so, ask and you shall recieve! Stolen from Not So Simple.
What are your middle names?
Mine is Melissa; Andrew’s is Byron.
How long have you been together?
Nearly a year and a half. We dated off and on for the first few months, and became official about this time last year.
How long did you know each other before you started dating?
A few days. We met at a fondue and wine party on a Saturday. We emailed the following Monday, and went on a date the Wednesday right after—December 17, 2007.
Who asked whom out?
Eh, it was a mutual decision to hang out. I emailed first and offered to show him around downtown Sacramento, since he’d just moved from Illinois a few months prior.
How old are each of you?
I’m 26 and Andrew will be 26 on May 17th.
Whose siblings do you see the most?
My brother because he lives here; however, I think we both talk to his sister online and on the phone more than we see my brother. We’ve got awesome siblings.
Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Ummm…not sure. We’re both stubborn. We started out a little rocky, but our relationship has grown so deeply over the past year and a half. Moving in together always requires an “adjustment period.” For the most part, our toughest situations are behind us. Despite some tough times and situations, we’ve become the best of friends, and I can honestly say I love him more than anything, ever.
Did you go to the same school?
Nope. Andrew attended Cornell and I attended California State University, Sacramento.
Are you from the same home town?
I’m from Rocklin, CA and Andrew is from Springfield, IL.
Who is smarter?
We’re smart in different ways. Andrew is amazingly logical and good at things like math and science. I’m definitely more artistic and creative, better at reading/writing and better with reading people and being emotionally intelligent. We both put up a wicked game of Scrabble.
Who is the most sensitive?
Haha. Without question, ME. I cry easily, overreact even more easily and am in general a big softie. Andrew is sweet in a different way, and he is exceptionally sensitive to ME and my feelings.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Subway, Pluto’s, UFood Grill and our special place is McCormick and Schmick’s.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Illinois
Who has the craziest exes?
Yikes. What a loaded question. Um, we both do, in different ways. I’ll refrain here.
Who has the worst temper?
Me.
Who does the cooking?
I cook more than he does, but he’s good about helping out. I do dinner more often, but he is great about making our steel cut oatmeal for the week, making sandwiches for lunch, and helping with dinner.
Who is the neat-freak?
Ummm…when I am not busy, me. Andrew is always helpful though.
Who is more stubborn?
HAHAHA. We are both RIDICULOUSLY STUBBORN. I don’t know. Babe, you wanna weigh in on this one?
Who hogs the bed?
Me. I like to sleep in a certain way, and while I’m only 5″1 to his 6″4, we share a double bed and I need room! But, we are cuddly sleepers, so it’s not too bad…
Who wakes up earlier?
Me, not by choice. For work.
Where was your first date?
We went to coffee at Naked Lounge, saw “I Am Legend” (his horrible choice) and hung out at my apartment.
Who is more jealous?
Um, me, by a long shot.
How long did it take to get serious?
Awhile. Like I said, we were sort of on and off for a few months while we both figured out what we wanted. I think our feelings grew a lot more serious last summer. Once we decided to be together, that was it.
Who eats more?
He does.
Who does the laundry?
Both of us. Andrew is super helpful, once again.
Who’s better with the computer?
Andrew.
Who drives when you are together?
We split it.
When was your first kiss?
Our first date. Sorry, mom!
Who said I love you first?
He did. Duh.
Anyways, now you know more than you want to know about me and Andrew. Also, I learned that according to this gem of a meme, I look like a HUGE BITCH and Andrew looks like a prince.
Guess I’m a lucky girl.
Sometimes, I’m just freaking shocked at what people say. Listen, we all have occasional missteps, where we hurt people’s feelings or whatnot, but really? Here are some recent gems:
Regarding Andrew buying me a gym membership for my birthday: “Do you think he’s trying to tell you something?”
In response to hearing that my kids had super high scores on a test, and having my principal compliment me: “Oh, those tests aren’t valid—she’s not THAT good.”
After inquiring about Andrew and I’s relationship, and me saying things are amazing: “That’s shocking! You know…umm…you’re just…and he is…” {insert HUGE eyes, a la Ramona of Real Housewives of NYC}
During me sharing a lesson plan that was a big hit with my students: “Oh, I didn’t know you actually did creative things!”
When seeing my new short hair: “And you decided to go short WHY?”
While I know better than to take ANY of the above commenter’s seriously because that’s just who they are, and WHATEVER, it still just floors me. Who really talks like that? I am not saying I’m never rude, but for god’s sake…REALLY? Why can’t we just all get along, be happy for one another, see the good? Why is this so hard?
Watch your mouths, people. Seriously.
Anyone been rude to you lately? Let’s hear about it in the comments.
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On Thursday night, I went to my second workout at Fitness MD. I was really excited since my first one had been amazing, despite the fact that I couldn’t lift my arms the next morning. I think I forgot to mention the fact that I have to write down everything I put in my mouth for my trainer to see at my assessment. I didn’t realize how traumatic that’d be until I realized that yes, I had to include that handful of peanut M&M’s and the muffin and my coffee and…
I’ll stop.
When I came in, I met the owner and we started talking, and he warned me that tonight’s class was “gonna push me.” I must have looked frightened, because he said, “IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE PUSHED, YOU SHOULD GO TO CURVES.” And then laughed maniacally. Off to a fine start!
According to the schedule, Thursday’s class was “Core and Agility.” This was a bit disconcerting, because while I have a large core, I have no agility. In fact, I can be a bit of a klutz. I walked in to see cloth ladders on the ground, aerobic steps, cones and lots of places to run. We kicked off the workout with another BIG LAP—a full half mile, if you’ve forgotten already, unlike my thighs, who will never forget. After that glorious sweat-fest, we started doing drills. Um, in case this isn’t blatantly obvious, I am not an athlete. The only drills I participate in are of the fire variety, where I herd kids out the door and on to the field where I count them. That’s the extent of my “drill” experience.
For the hour following, I zigged and zagged and ran and leapt over steps and ran sideways and backwards. The only good thing: I didn’t fall, not even once. The bad: I cannot run sideways to save my life. Not even a little. I am sure everyone in my group hated me because I was definitely the slow kid in the group. Finally, I just let people lap me. Going to Curves sounded extra appealing right about then.
But wait! There’s more! When we finished that, we did ab work. We did planks and jacknifes and things I’ve never, ever heard of. Oh, and if people didn’t hate me enough for slowing down their drills, the best was that after we were separated into groups during this ab work. One group crunched and did abs, while waiting for the other group to run a lap. No one could stop until all members of the other group were back from running. Needless to say, the other group was hating life, all thanks to me.
Despite being slightly humilated and totally exhausted, this class added yet another dimension to why I want to succeed: competitiveness. I hate being the worst at anything, and I had my ass handed to me. I want to improve, obviously to be healthier, but because I want to be faster. I don’t want to hold up ab exercises for an entire group. And damn it, it’d be cool to be able to run sideways.
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I know it’s Friday and all, but it’s been a little crappy thus far. It’s raining, a guy was a real jerk at Starbucks, my coffee sucked, I got some bummer news, and got yelled at and subsequently had a little pity party at my desk. Whenever I’m a little bummed, I like to get all Sound of Music on myself and find some of my favorite things. Here are the best things I’ve seen this week:
—First of all, a freaking HUGE congratulations to my friend Jen Lemen who won the Name Your Dream Assignment contest. I can’t think of someone more deserving with a project that will change you. So happy for her!
—A lesson on speaking with authority about who you are here, from the always wise Magpie Girl.
—coveting pretty much everything in this lovely Etsy shop, and loving the blogger that goes with it.
—if you haven’t read this collection of creepy, re-done children’s stories, you’re missing out. Not for the easily offended, but definitely some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever read.
—For inspiration, I like to check out three sites: The Happiness Project, White Hot Truth and Rock Your Day. All have great motivational tips to get you goin’ and encourage you to be your best. Love it!
—I’ve raved about this book to many of you, but if you’re looking for the best book I’ve read in awhile, than do check out Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri. This book is a collection of some of the best stories I’ve ever read and her writing is incredible. If you want a real treat, get the audio book—one of the best I’ve ever heard.
—And if you’re kinda pissed off, like me, than look no further than Lily Allen. She’s the new Alanis, in my humble opinion.
—And if all else fails, do what I plan to do when I leave work today: take a nap, preferably with your cat and boyfriend snuggled by your side.
Happy Friday, friends.
Last Sunday, on the heels of a very fun Saturday, Andrew and I went and painted pottery. Yes, this was before the mani-pedi I also suckered Andrew into. But we had a coupon, and when you have a coupon, is there really ANY excuse for not doing what you want to do? Nope. Didn’t think so. Also: I am spoiled.
Anyways, we set off to Petroglyph, the pottery painting studio a few blocks from our apartment. When we walked in, Andrew was a bit overwhelmed by all the options of what to paint. Coffee cups, teapots, plates, bowls, garden gnomes (nope, not kidding). I decided on a cute little wish jar (more on that later) and Andrew decided on a piggy bank to house our change, which we affectionately call the Fro-Yo Fund. We have a little bit of a fro-yo problem, and after looking at a bank statement in which we dropped more money than we care to mention on frozen yogurt, we have now gone to an “only with spare change” policy. Also, Andrew selected the piggy bank since it requires only one color. He’s adventurous, that one.
Andrew and his little piggy
My wish jar...
I decided to go for a striped theme, so spent some time taping up my jar.
My wish jar all taped up, ready for paint!
Isn’t Andrew’s little tongue pokin’ out so cute? He’s so serious about his piggy!
I wish I could say that I had a perfect experience. I planned to write “wishes…dreams…hopes” on my jar, to make it extra cute. I’ve heard of people using these for little jars of prayers or hopes and was thinking I’d create something similar. When I went to write on it, I screwed it up BIG TIME. Blobs of black paint, unreadable words. Not cute.
So, I threw a little hissy fit. I teared up, got all frustrated when I tried to wipe it off and it turned half the pot black and wanted to just GO HOME. It wasn’t my most charming moment, that’s for sure. And really, who gets upset over a pot, in the middle of Petroglyph, surrounded by yuppie mom’s throwing a birthday party?
This girl.
I’m a total freaking perfectionist, what can I say? Anyways, after some muffled cursing and choice words directed at Andrew, who called an attendant over to assist me, which only pissed me off more, I repainted half the pot. So there. Hrmph.
Here were our final results:
Despite some “drama”, I was reminded once again to just CHILL OUT and enjoy the process. It was a pretty fun day, and once again: whose boyfriend will go paint pottery with them? I’m a lucky gal.
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