For the win!

Day 212

Baked ziti is my all-time absolute favorite dish. I was all sorts of excited about ordering Italian food for dinner. Doug is catching me up on the Harry Potter movies so we can go see the last one together. I still hate Harry - yeah, we get it, you're the chosen one, can you stop whining about it now? Damn dude. Life sucks, get a helmet. But I do like a lot of the characters. Snape, of course, is just awesome. I really like Luna as well (not just because of her name, but that's totally part of the draw), and Hermione is cool, even though I don't really approve of her choice in men. She could do so much better. Tonight's feature is Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, and oh yeah, I get to eat baked ziti during it. Does it get any better than this? I think not.

Snuggle

Day 211

I wasn't feeling so hot this morning, thanks in large part to the Red Devils that were so delicious last night. All I wanted to do was sit on the couch and play Guild Wars. That was all the physical and mental energy I could muster, and even that was pushing it. Luna found this to be the perfect opportunity to take a siesta on my lap. It doesn't matter how awful I feel -  this always makes me smile. She's my best friend, and I think I just might be hers too.

Flippies

Day 210

I love flip flops. I currently have four pairs, which is low for me, but I got rid of a lot of things when I moved back from Florida.

My favorite pair of flip flops are my brown Reefs. I will never, ever part with them. They are perfect.

Pictured here are my second favorite pair. They are also Reefs, but with foamy straps instead of fabric. They also have sparkles - I think it was the sparkles that sold me on them. They were in the Pacific Sunwear outlet in Deer Park when I was there with Katie last year, and I had to have them.

Even though Katie and I don't live so close to the outlets anymore, I would like to take another trip out there together. I remember having a lot of fun that day.

Tyler Durden

Day 209

How awesome are my penguin pajama shorts? I've had them for years, and I love every aspect of them. They are super comfy, they feature penguins, and they even say "slide" on them. Penguins are totally my power animal.

Bangin'

Day 208

I'm not sure what possessed me to keep my bangs through the summer months. People with naturally wavy hair should not have bangs in the summer. They never, ever stay straight. Humidity wreaks havoc on long wavy hair; short wavy hair is worse. Even when I wear it curly, I have to hold it back with a head band or it looks weird. I wanted to be lazy tonight and just pull my hair back so I didn't have to style it at all. But I can't do that because I still have to style the bangs and make them straight because it looks ridiculous if I don't. I admit I do like the outcome of of this look. Five seconds out in the heat will F that up but good.

Wanna ride bikes?

Day 207

I hate the stationary bike with a passion. I will avoid it at any cost. Give me a real bicycle any day, but I hate this fake biking nonsense.

It reminds me of when I was in physical therapy for my knees because they always made me do the bike to strengthen my quads. So my quads got stronger, and I still had bad knees. Go figure. I liked the heat pack part, and even the electric stimulation wasn't so bad, but I always dreaded the bike.

Of all the machines in the gym, the bike makes me feel the most like a hamster on a wheel. It's boring as hell, and it doesn't burn as many calories as the treadmill or the elliptical.

I also have basically no butt, which means there's not a whole lot of padding between my bony butt and the seat. It gets kind of painful after a while.

Unfortuantely, the bike was the only cardio I could do today that didn't bother my still somewhat injured leg. The treadmill was obviously out because even just walking is painful. I lasted about 10 minutes on the elliptical before I decided that was a bad idea. So I was left with the stupid bike as my only option.

Meh.

Sushi!

Day 206

I love sushi. I would eat it every day if I could afford it. Believe it or not, Whole Foods has excellent sushi, and it's all of 5 minutes from the office. There is also a Starbucks in the same shopping center, so I get to enjoy an iced venti Caramel Macchiato with my spicy tuna avocado roll. It's rare that I treat myself like this, but when I do, it's totally worth it.

Gimpy

Day 205

I hurt my leg running on the treadmill at the gym the other day, and I've been in a crazy amount of pain. Standing, walking, pointing my toes - no bueno. This is my makeshift ice pack because Luna destroyed the real ice pack. She ripped the damned thing open, and there was gel crap all over the floor. That was a fun mess to clean up. Thanks Lu. So now I'm sans ice pack and have to make due with this. The alternative, of course, is to not hurt myself, but I know that is simply impossible. This is me we're talking about - the uber klutz. However, I don't think that I will be running again any time soon. I'll just stick to the elliptical.

Rockin' and rollin' and whatnot

Day 204

Jon came out to join me for Finespun's show. We had a great time, and the bands were awesome. I was already fairly tipsy in this picture (thanks, Jackie!), as evidenced by the fact that my tongue is sticking out. Three sure signs that I've been drinking: my tongue is out, my hands are over my head, and I get low while dancing. Hopefully these three things will never be done at the same time. I didn't get low, but I did try to do the hip hop routine when the DJ played Missy Elliott later in the night. I'm ridiculous. But oh so much fun.

Mawwiage

Day 203

Mike was nice enough to accompany me to Greg and Michelle's wedding reception. I was grateful for the good company. The entire event was absolutely beautiful, and I had a good time with the fam. I admit I never thought Greg would get married, but when I see him with Michelle, it makes sense. This officially makes me the last of the unmarried Mohicans. The jury is still out on whether that is a good thing or a bad thing. Oh well. It is what it is.

There's no crying in baseball

Day 202

Katie and I do some serious eating when we go to Friendly's. We clear our plates and then order sundaes. We mean business.

WTF?

Day 201

I learned something today. When a girl gives a guy a "fake" number one digit off from hers, another poor girl gets the phone call. Today, I drew the short straw. I can understand why she gave this guy a phony number. He was not the sharpest tool in the shed. First I had to convince him that my name was not, nor has it ever been, Erin. Then I had to confirm that he and I had never met. Then I had to assure him that I was not one of Erin's friends or in any way associated with Erin. I finally had to just level with the guy. "Look dude... maybe she gave you the wrong number by mistake. But it's not likely. Chances are, she's just not into you. Let it go." To which I get back a weak, "Oh... sorry." Not as sorry as I am, pal. I can't get that wasted time of my life back. Erin dodged a bullet. Good for her. This crap only happens to me.

The sock gap

Day 200

Disaster struck as I was putting on my socks to go to the gym. I heard the rip, and I gasped. Not the spiffy ventilated socks! I got them in 2005, so it's not like I can complain about the quality. Plus I have two other pairs floating around somewhere. But still, I was sad.

Decisions, decisions

Day 199

The good people over at Netflix have given me a choice. I have the option to A) only receive DVDs in the mail, B) only have unlimited streaming, or C) continue to get both for double the price. I think this is poop. First of all, I was happy with my plan, and now they're messing with it for no good reason. Secondly, I'm horrible at making decisions. Of all the things adding to my anxiety, now I have to worry about Netflix? Really?

So I sat down and gave it some thought. I like the fact that it only took me about 3 minutes to make a final decision. If only it was always that easy. I decided to go with Option B - unlimited streaming. I spend so much more time streaming movies and TV shows through the Nintendo Wii than I do actually watching a DVD I've received through the mail. Lately, the DVDs have been sitting untouched on my TV stand for weeks at a time because it's easier to stream something than to actually put a DVD into the XBox. (Yes, I'm really lazy. Deal with it.) Besides, the Wii and the XBox are hooked up differently, so I have to unplug and replug everything from the back of the TV to switch from one to the other. It's a process.

So I'm saying goodbye to the familiar red envelopes and saving myself a few bucks every month. Not that Netflix is all that expensive, but every dollar counts.

Glamour Girl

Day 198

It's that time again. Lori has worked her magic on my hair, and now it's time to wait. I hate this part. It's all goopy and itchy, but I know it looks so nice when its finished. I went a little darker than usual this time, and I'm excited about it. I was due for my touch up last month, so my root situation was getting a little desperate. No 29 year old should have the amount of gray hair I do. It's just not right. But at least I'm here now, and my hair will be so very pretty when it's all done. Better late than never.

Perfect

Day 197

I love my pillow. I've had it for years, and refuse to get rid of it - probably ever - because it's perfect.

I love my whole bed, actually. It is my ultimate happy place, my most comfortable of comfort zones, and of all the things that were in storage for 4 months, I definitely missed my bed the most.

I had to keep my pillow with me during my stay at Mom & Ron's because I can't sleep on any other pillow. I fall asleep fine, but when I wake up, I'm in so much pain that I can barely move. Sleeping on any other pillow causes severe neck and shoulder pain, and sometimes a migraine is the result. Most pillows are way too flat, and I need my head supported a certain way to keep my neck from spasming. This is the only pillow I've ever found that does it just right.

Oh, the places you'll go

Day 196

So this is my Friday night. I have a bunch of things planned. I don't have a whole lot to say about it yet.We shall see where the night takes me...

Getting closer

Day 195

I had my fitting tonight for my bridesmaid dress for Squared's wedding. Once I had the dress on with my shoes, we realized that I really didn't need any alterations. I hadn't tried it on since I got it back in January. Even the seamstress said she didn't see anything that needed to be changed. Score.

I also bought a bracelet and earrings to match the necklace that I will be wearing. Double score.

I'm so glad that Squared came out to meet me for my fitting. I also got to see her in her wedding dress (even though the only one they had in stock was too big for her), and I helped her pick out the bracelet she will be wearing on her wedding day. I had a moment and almost cried a couple of times - my Squared is getting married! I'm very honored that I get to stand up there with her on her special day. I'm so excited for September 17th!

Tee hee, I win

Day 194

I bought and wore this dress for my engagement photo shoot back in 2009. I look so much better in it now! I took the ring off my finger and turned back into a hottie. Evil curse broken. Poof. Magic.

Creature of habit

Day 193

It's not exactly poolside at Toni's house, but it will have to do. She's in Florida visiting her dad, so obviously we can't have our usual Tuesday night. I admit I'm having a little bit of separation anxiety. The same thing happened once hip hop was over, and I wasn't with Squared every Tuesday night. Changes to my routine bother me. Must be where Luna gets it from. Or maybe I'm just cat-like. Or a little of both.

Ouch!

Day 192

I had my yearly physical today, which is always fun as fun can be. I'm such a baby when it comes to having blood drawn. As much as I want to donate bood, I never have because the thought of it leaves me panic-stricken. I get lightheaded when they take three vials (likely due to nerves), so I can only imagine that I would pass out if they took a whole pint. And don't even get me started about the needle - I hate it! I just sit there with my eyes squeezed shut and wait for the doctor to take the turniquet off because that means it's almost over. Glad to have that over with for another year.

Mush

Day 191

Meet my new friend Loki. He's a big mush and stands in as cuddle buddy when Luna's not around. He also gave Luna two very nice birthday presents. One of them is a little red mouse that now ranks as one Luna's favorites. She plays with it all the time and even carries it around with her somtimes. Yes, Loki is good. I can tell.

A happy day

Day 190

Squared's bridal shower was a complete success! She was totally surprised.

We played How Well Do You Know The Bride, which if I didn't know the answer, I put down my own opinion and got most of them right. She is my Mini Me, after all. We also played Toilet Paper Bride, which I had never done before, but it was totally fun. How could you not have fun toilet papering a live person? We made Squared's cousin into the prettiest bride you ever did see, and of course she won the contest.

I was put in charge of making the bow hat and bow umbrella, which I was super excited about. My friends know me well - put me in charge of the silly art project, and I'll be happy. Squared's sister Kellie and Dan's sister Carolyn got in on the bow art action, and our powers combined made the best bow hat and umbrella ever.

Squared had a wonderful shower, and she was so incredibly happy, and that's all I ever want for her. She deserves all the happiness in the world.

On another note, it's also Luna's first birthday today. I had planned on doing a blog post about it, but Squared's shower happened to fall on the same day. Sorry Lu, Squared takes precedence. She has seniority.

Sock it to me a third time!

Day 189

The migraine went away, so I'm going out tonight. Can we just talk about how awesome my new socks are for a minute? I was excited when I bought them, but I'm way more excited now that they are on my feet.

Uber cute

Day 188

I love the fact that Luna looks like she's smiling in this picture. Cuddling on the couch is a pretty good reason to smile.

Lazy

Day 187

I have a rare night all to myself, and this is what I'm doing with it - nothing. I am laying on my couch, watching TV, and there is nowhere else I would rather be. Although I did go to the gym first so I wouldn't feel incredibly guilty about doing the couch potato thing.

It has begun

Day 186

The CD Jay is holding contains the track that will be our amazing new song. I've written the lyrics, which I will be singing, and Jay laid down the incredible music. I can't wait to get together with him again so we can lay down the vocals. This is so exciting for me, and something I've wanted to do for a very long time. Big thanks to Jae Q for helping me turn this dream into a reality.

Pete and Repeat

Day 185

This self-taken picture has become almost a joke between Jon and I. We have taken this exact same picture at least twice a year during our 9 year friendship. He said it best after I took this shot: "The shirts change, the hairstyles change, but it's still the same picture." We're awesome. I love you, Miels!

Kitten kisses

Day 184

How cute is she? Seriously. She has done this nose-licking thing since she was a kitten. Technically, I suppose she's still a kitten. Her first birthday is July 9th. But she's been a licker of noses since I adopted her. She's picky about it though. A lick on the nose from Luna means you're officially a part of the in crowd. So far, only Dad & I have been accepted into Luna's inner circle. It is an honor not to be taken lightly.

Torn

Day 183

Two weeks ago, while dancing with Chris, my fishnets got caught on the button of his jacket. Twice. The first time was on the bottom button, and as he was trying to unhook that, the button of his cuff got caught. What are the odds? So there we are, me holding onto him and hopping on one leg, both of us laughing hysterically, while he tried to figure out how to disentangle us.

I didn't realize until I put them on again, but this was the outcome of Chris and I getting hooked together - ripped fishnets. I'm all about ripped fishnets. It's sexy. But I felt very unbalanced with only one rip in them. So I edited my appearance. Usually I'm a little more strategic with my DIY fashion, but since this happened accidentally, I just went nuts and tore the hell out of my thigh highs. Insanity can be fun.

I love my cat

Day 182

This is what happens every day when I get home. I lay down on the couch, Luna kneads me and purrs, then lays on me so I can't leave again. I have her undivided attention for about 10 minutes, and then she wanders off to do her own thing. If it's a gym day, I give her gooshy food and then take off for the gym. If it's not a gym day, we eat dinner together. I like our little family routine.