Lunk alarm

Day 243

Yeah, I'm done. 233 calories burned. Eventually, I will gather the motivation to stagger my way into the shower, because I can't sleep if I'm not clean. Today's ridiculous workout brought to you by EA Sports Active. I highly recommend it.

Family ties

Day 242

This is my little Lulu's absolutely adorable way of saying, "Please don't leave again, Mommy." She's purring while she does this. Before she settles down, she kneads me. After this, she will invariably put her head down and fall asleep. I don't want to leave the house, like ever - this is why.

To the pain

Day 241

I came home from work today and did my usual routine with the free weights. Arms, then chest, then abs while I'm already on the floor. After that, I grabbed a bottle of water and headed to the gym for my usual cardio on the elliptical. It didn't even occur to me to call first, but I definitely should have. No power at Planet Fitness means no elliptical for Michelle. Boo. So I went home, moved the coffee table out of the way, and fired up EA Active on the Wii. I created my own custom workout, heavy on the cardio. It was mostly kickboxing and tennis, with some running thrown in on the side. I should have done more running. My right arm feels like it may fall off at the elbow. This particular pain feels familiar, so I think I may have made this mistake once before. I never learn.

Keys please

Day 240

I lost my keys tonight. Again. I was all set to head home from Doug's place to spend some quality time with Luna. The only problem was, my keys were nowhere to be found. We looked everywhere. No couch cushion was left unturned. We checked the driveway, his car, even shined a flashlight into my car. Nothing. I was almost in tears at this point. What's left to do but call Mom? She has my spare car key, and then I could get my landlords to let me into my apartment. We were all set to head out to Smithtown when Doug checked the last remaining unlikely place. With his arm plunged down to the elbow inside the recliner, I heard the faint jingle of keys and gasped hopefully. He nodded at me. "Got 'em." I stared at him awestruck as if he had just performed the world's most incredible magic trick as he pulled my keys from the depths of the chair and handed them to me. My boyfriend rocks.

Storm front

Day 239

I'm sitting here playing Guild Wars, waiting for this terrifying storm that is supposed  to decimate Long Island and destroy life as we know it. Right. I don't buy into the hype. I've got a very strong feeling that this has gotten entirely blown out of proportion. I think it's a category 1 at this point. Lame. All the morons rushing to the store and cleaning out the shelves over some rain and wind really need to calm down. It's little more than a bad thunderstorm at this point, not the apocalypse. Please chill. I'm still pissed that I had to wait in line to put gas in my car. I was on empty. I bet none of the 5 jerks in front of me were. Get a grip, people.

It's still rock and roll to me

Day 238

Finespun drew me out to Mulcahy's in Wantagh tonight, and I brought these crazy cats along with me.

Toni and I always have a great time together. As the good Junior Wife that I am (even though I've technically been promoted, she still calls me by the nickname "junior"), I wanted her to share in the fun.

I haven't actually seen Rob in years. He was in North Carolina, and then South Carolina, and then I was in Florida. But now that we are both back in New York again, hopefully I will be seeing a lot more of him.

They are seriously two of the best people I know, and I'm so lucky to have them as my friends. The two of them had never met before tonight, but as I expected, they clicked immediately and got along great. It was so much fun to hang out with them both, have some drinks, and listen to awesome music.

Even though none of us had ventured out in sweatpants, Toni and I were still rather horrified by the "No Sweatpants" rule printed on the dress code outside. True happiness = sweatpants. Even when they're cranky, they're comfortable.

Yo-yo

Day 237

I'm getting fat again. And by "fat," I mean 136 pounds, not 165. If I ever tip the scales like that again, I want someone to punch me in the face. But 136 is still not 123. I have to look great in a pretty blue dress next month, so here goes the diet and gym thing for about the millionth time in my life. It's usually not that hard for me to drop a few pounds, but not as easy as gaining a few pounds, and definitely less enjoyable. I've taken up diet soda recently, which is extremely odd behavior for me, even when watching my weight. I was always vehemently opposed to diet soda, but I'm thinking it's some combination of Doug's and Mat's influence that made me think this might be a good idea. It allows for calorie expenditure elsewhere, so I'm willing to give up my sugary goodness until next month. At which point, regular soda will probably taste weird to me.

Laundry service

Day 236

I'm 29 years old, and my mother does my laundry. What? I'm poor. I don't have a washer and dryer because I'm silly and moved back from Florida, where I would probably have had my very own washer and dryer by now. I'm lucky that I have a totally awesome mom who is willing to do my laundry every week. Even though it does take away my favorite chore, I'm sure one day I will be a big girl again and do my own laundry.

What's shakin'?

Day 235

There was an earthquake today. No, seriously, an earthquake. I've been through many serious thunderstorms in my day, a handful of hurricanes, and 3 tornadoes, but I was certainly ill prepared for a freaking earthquake!

I thought at first they were doing some construction work downstairs that would cause the rumbling, but then it got worse, and when the entire building started swaying, I knew there was a serious problem. I wondered for a moment if I was having a panic attack, which does sometimes make me dizzy, but then other people started buzzing about it, running out of their offices to congregate by the printer, which is apparently just where you go when there's an emergency. It's as good a place as any, I suppose. If the building goes, it goes. Nobody's making it downstairs. We were all so shocked for a moment that we just stood there talking about what the hell just occurred before someone pointed out that we should turn on the TV. I was so freaked out that I did not remember the fact that there is a huge flat screen mounted right above my desk. It wasn't even on the news yet, and I stood there with my heart pounding, forcing myself to breathe and try to stop shaking.

Finally, "Breaking News" came up on the screen - a 5.9 earthquake in Virginia that was felt all the way up here in New York, and even further north. That truly scares me.

I thought back to the "earthquake" prompt I wrote on LiveJournal years ago. I didn't really know what I was talking about, as I had never been through an earthquake before, but I actually think I wrote it quite accurately. I wish I still didn't have a clue. Ignorance is truly bliss.

I always roll my eyes at the crazy "2012!" people, but today's events made me stop and think for a moment. Then I rolled my eyes.

Just my luck

Day 234

My day started with spilling coffee all over myself. It ended with not having any hot water in my apartment. At least I didn't go to the gym today.

Order up

Day 233

Carolyn and I ate our breakfast in a bar. We figured that this was completely acceptable behavior for a bachelorette party. There were no tables at the deli, so we found ourselves a nice table for two at the bar next door. We totally enjoyed ourselves, and the breakfast wraps were delish. We were well nourished for our fun walk down the boardwalk with the rest of our friends.

The Bachelorette

Day 232

Not only did Squared and I decide to go out and play together for her bachelorette party, but we decided to go out and play in Atlantic City with 12 other awesome ladies. Also Brad the blowup doll and Willy the blowup penis. Because that's not insane or anything.

Squared surprised us all by ordering a car service to bring us to A.C., and they upgraded her to a party bus unexpectedly. We immediately commenced with the mimosas and bagels. Once the bagels were done, the mimosas kept on coming. Stephanie makes a wonderful bartender, and she made sure all of us had a drink in hand at all times. As you might imagine, there was much rowdiness and shenanigans to be had all the way to A.C.

We checked into our rooms at The Tropicana and decided to have dinner at Carmine's. Dinner was absolutely delicious, and I had a great time chatting with Gina, Kellie, Squared, and Carolyn. Then we headed back up to the rooms to get ready for a night out on the town. Well, actually, it was a night at the club inside of the hotel, but you get the idea.

The club was hopping, the alcohol was flowing, and Squared had an awesome night that she will always remember... for the most part. Some of it will likely be blurry. Bachelorette party insanity - mission accomplished. Next stop, the wedding!

The ostrich theory

Day 231

If I can't see it, it can't see me. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I'm hiding in my nook, and I will remain there until further notice.

The NeverEnding Story

Day 230

Yeah, still. My goal is to finish it by the end of the year. We shall see.

Rat's nest

Day 229


This is what my hair looks like when I just let it dry without putting product in it. Attractive, right? I have always wished I had "wash and go" hair. It would make my life so much easier. It is pretty cool that I have the option of wearing my hair either curly or straight. But if I feel like being lazy and doing absolutely nothing with it, I get this mess. I guess it's time to go heat up the flat iron.

PJs

Day 228


These pajama pants were the 2009 GIR Christmas item from Katie. Wearing them always makes me feel better when I'm out of sorts. It's comforting, like a security blanket in pants form. I wore them a lot in Florida. I have an abnormally large assortment of pajamas, but these are my favorite bottoms. I wear the GIR shirt with them in the winter because it's long-sleeved and cozy. But it's not winter. Yet.

Foreign contaminant

Day 227

Ron and I have often made the joke that Mom is like M-O the cleaning robot from Wall-E. Except that it's not really a joke. I think I'm starting to take after my mother more than a little bit.

I get overly excited about cleaning products. I nearly fell off the couch with excitement when I got a Swiffer Wet Jet for Christmas in '09, and then I got a Dust Buster as well. The most wonderful time of the year indeed.

I finally got more Clorox wipes today after being out of them for a couple of weeks, so now I feel the obsessive need to clean everything. I also got a brand new bottle of Fantastik and a package of sponges. Nothing can stop me now!

Maybe this is why I relate to the Germs episode of Invader Zim so much. When you see me wearing tissue boxes on my feet one day, don't say I didn't warn you.

Clothes horse

Day 226

It never occurs to me to go clothes shopping by myself. Any other kind of shopping, yes. Clothes shopping, not so much. If it weren't for my mom, I'd be naked. Actually, I'd probably just be in pajamas all the time. Either way, I wouldn't look too snazzy. Mom and I went to New York & Company today, and I got some really cute stuff. I also got some coupons to use next time Mom reminds me that I need clothing.

The Entertainer

Day 225

This is what happens when I hang out with musicians too much. It awakens my desire to be what I probably would have been if I was a little more disciplined when I was younger. Doug was nice enough to agree to give me guitar lessons. It seems like he actually wants to give me lessons, which is really cool. I give credit to anyone who will take me on as a student in anything. I feel the need to ask people if they're sure they want to deal with me, because I probably wouldn't. Aside from the traumatic experience of having to cut my nails down to nothing, I think this will be fun. I'm excited.

Unspoken

Day 224

Who needs words? Luna and I get along quite well without them. Even in silence, we understand each other perfectly. Don't get me wrong; she doesn't actually listen to me most of the time, but she understands me just fine. I know she loves me, and she knows I love her, and that's really all we need. That's what is important, and that's how it should be. The love of a pet is the most pure and uncomplicated love there is. Humans should take notes.

Nerves

Day 223

When I get anxious, I wring my hands. Sometimes I don't even realize that I'm doing it. Apparently, I have exhibited this behavior all my life, but I only learned that a few years back. It was pointed out to me that I was wringing my hands nervously in a home video when my dad asked me a question and I was put on the spot. I was about 5 years old in that video. Twenty four years later, and still with the hands. Except now I do this when my hands are hurting from the fibromyalgia as well because it makes it feel better for a second or two. So when I'm seen doing this, I'm either really anxious or in a whole lot of pain, and both of those options totally suck.

Whether the weather

Day 222

I like this cute little nightie thing. It's close to the color of my dress for Squared's wedding, which makes me happy in some strange way, and it's silky and all sorts of comfortable. I can dig it. As Toni so nicely pointed out by posting a picture of  a snowstorm on Facebook today, winter will be back before we know it. I should take advantage of my summer clothes while I still can. I'm going to blink, and I'll be bundled up in sweatpants and a hoodie while snow and ice pelts my windows. I need to stock up on hot chocolate and soup. I don't foresee myself spending too much time away from the couch this winter.

Woot!

Day 221

If you're wondering why I look completely exhausted in this picture, it's because I am completely exhausted. I don't really sleep anymore. It sucks. But I made it to work a few minutes early today! Normal people don't get excited about such mundane things. Luckily, I'm not normal, or I would never feel a sense of accomplishment.

Coffee flavored coffee

Day 220

I messed up coffee last time around, but somehow I got entrusted with this task again. I chose this one after carefully inspecting it for ten minutes to make sure it didn't say "instant" anywhere on it. I should not be sent on such important missions.

Bed time bears

Day 219

I am so incredibly content right now. My bed is wonderful, and I get to be in it for 8 plus hours. Going to bed early tonight was the best idea ever.

Harry Pooper

Day 218

My overall opinion of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2: LAME. I enjoyed Part 1, and Part 2 had its moments but for the most part, it kind of sucked.

I hated how they basically skipped over the death of one of the Weasley twins. Dobby had a more emotional death scene in Part One, even though he was just a house elf, and it made me cry. I figured the death of the twin was going to be heartbreaking because you'd think one of the wizards dying would be more traumatic than a house elf kicking the bucket, even a really awesome house elf like Dobby. Not so much.

The entire ending was an anticlimactic cop out. Voldemort couldn't kill Harry because of his mom's love for him? Seriously? I guess I had faith in the author to be more creative than that. A million stories have the exact same theme, and it's boring. Love conquers all, selfless sacrifices, blah blah. He spent the entire series whining about being the chosen one, when it turns out he wasn't chosen for anything.

The ultimate WTF moment was saved for the end where Harry just breaks the elder wand and throws it away. The most powerful wand ever and some 17 year old wimp snaps it like a twig? Really?! I felt like I was watching Randall's re-enactment of The Lord of The Rings from Clerks 2. Except way less funny.

And furthermore, who the hell ever ends up with their high school sweetheart? Oh, right, nobody. Harry has such an undeservedly big ego that he would ultimately resent Ginny for being a more powerful wizard. And the minute Hermione got to college and saw how many hot guys were after her, she would have dropped Ron like a bad habit. So yeah, I don't buy any of that crap either.

 Lame sauce lite.

Alias

Day 217

I was once referred to as "Miss Thing" while wearing these earrings (and I think I was wearing sunglasses too). It was somewhere mid-2009. I thought of it because I wore these earrings today. I prefer my more recent moniker, "The It Girl." I think that fits me better. But I'm still partial to "The Hottest Nerd In The World."

Cthulu

Day 216

I was so excited to come home today and discover that my Squishable mini Cthulu had arrived a day early. I wasn't expecting him until tomorrow, but apparently, USPS tracking doesn't update their website.

I hadn't perused Squishable.com in a while, because I knew they were out of penguins, which is the one I really want. But a couple of weeks ago, I decided to check it out. I was overly excited when I discovered they had a Squishable Cthulu and even more excited when I saw that he came in mini form as well.

Luna was not so pleased with mini Cthulu's existence, and being the brave little kitty she is, she decided to wrestle with him and try to bite his eye off. Of all the things I never thought I would say in my life, "Leave the mini elder god alone!" definitely ranks up pretty high on the list. I think Luna sees him as a threat, as if I'm trying to replace her. I didn't mean for it to be adversarial situation. I just wanted something to cuddle with when Luna didn't feel like cuddling. I have brought discord into our once (relatively) harmonious family. But once Luna beat him up sufficiently, she seemed to feel better.

What women want

Day 215

During one of our deep conversations about what we truly want out of life and what would make us genuinely happy, Toni hit the nail on the head. "Honestly, I'm at the point in my life where" - she shook her head, shrugged defeatedly, and looked at me earnestly - "I just want to wear sweatpants!" We then dissolved into a fit of laughter. I wholeheartedly agree with her.

Chai

Day 214

Chai tea latte from the Keurig with a splash of vanilla creamer - decadent.

Chai tea always reminds me of a random scene in The Saint. Val Kilmer is running through some dilapidated building, and there's an old homeless woman (or maybe she's just a hipster), and it probably isn't what she's saying at all, but to me, it sounds like she's saying, "Chai... chai..." Poor old bat just wants some tea, and Val runs right by her. It isn't right.

So every time I have a chai tea latte, I have to say it like the old woman in the movie. "Chai... chai..." I'm normal. Really.

Game Slave 2

Day 213

It was really just a matter of keeping up with the Joneses. (By the way, the Kardashians can go F themselves; the Joneses got there first. How about you get famous for being talented and not just rich?) In this particular case, "the Joneses" were Doug, Jackie, and Harun, who could talk for hours about Guild Wars. I could only smile, nod, and pretend I had a clue for so long before I broke down and got the game. I couldn't help myself. I have a deep-seated love of all things RPG.

So this is the Guild Wars version of myself. This is what I think I would look like if I was a really hot Elementalist. The name I chose for myself is Yvaine Draco, because air is my favorite element (being an air sign and all), and stars are in the sky. Yvaine is the star's name in Stardust, and Draco is the name of a constellation. Yes, I really did put that much thought into my character name. I'm a writer; I can't help it. My mind works its way around names, personalities, and reasons for both almost automatically at this point.

I chose Mesmer as my second profession after a week-long attack of indecision between that and Necromancer. Doug approves my Elementalist/Mesmer decision - in fact, he was the one who convinced me to make it - so I feel pretty good about it. Sometimes all you need is a little validation. Besides, I already have a super cool name picked out for a Necromancer if I decide to make one at some point.

So there you have it - this is what has replaced Final Fantasy XIII when I'm having "you don't exist" time. You can usually find me on my couch, playing Guild Wars with some random Netflix selection playing in the background. Well, actually, no, you can't find me there. Because you don't exist.