I'm currently packing for Temple. I know I've got too much stuff, but I never know what we'll be doing, and since I'm not flying this time, I can take as much as I want. Except Memaw, the garage sale queen, called to ask if there'd be room for her to take a large duffel bag in which to carry back all of her treasures (read: cheap crap no one else wants). If my car smells like old socks on the way home, I will NOT be happy.
Evidently our Friday evening plans have been hijacked by another doctor party. I swear, Lon and I need to invest in some sort of doctor-to-English dictionary before we embark on yet another evening of medical jargon. Perhaps I can find someone to play doctor with me before the evening's over.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Great day!
The weather was cold and yucky today, but I had a totally great Monday. Today, I did one of the coolest things I've ever done at work... I got to admit my brother, who's going back to school. How awesome is that?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Here I go, girl
I've never been called dainty. I was the tallest person in my class--male or female--until junior high. While the rest of my classmates were still shopping in the kids' section, I was buying bras and old lady shoes. And yes, I did pageants for six years, which means that there was a time in my life when I willingly paraded around wearing a swimsuit in public, but it's not ever been something I'm comfortable with. I've always been the big girl.
As I've gotten older, my aversion to swimsuits hasn't changed. If anything, it's just gotten more pronounced. Thankfully there are few occasions that call for bikinis these days and I managed to avoid wearing a swimsuit at all for several years.
Something one can't avoid? Blue jeans. After all, they're America's casual wear. And when you're overweight, they're one of the hardest articles of clothing to buy. At my largest, I remember standing in front of the mirror at Gap, trying to find a pair that looked the least horrible on my fat thighs and covered my muffin top completely. It was painful, excruciating even, to try on that unforgiving denim. Bring on the yoga pants!
So it's not a coincidence that, 14 months ago, when I started this diet journey, I promised myself that getting to my goal size would be rewarded with a really great pair of blue jeans.
Yesterday was that day. After giving up on the Hogs' Oxford debacle, I traveled to Tulsa and entered the premium denim section of Saks. And while I'm still not ready for skinny jeans, I did purchase a really expensive pair of jeans that make me feel fabulous and help me celebrate the achievement of my goal. They're FOUR SIZES smaller than the jeans I bought just over a year ago. And yeah, they were an extravagant purchase, but every time I wear them, I'll think about all the hours and hours of sweat on the treadmill. The hundreds of yoga poses and thousands of gallons of water. All of the times I really wanted a cheeseburger but ate the salad instead.
I'll be showing off my fabulous butt in my new jeans this Friday evening on my date with Jen. :) Until then, it's lettuce and water.
As I've gotten older, my aversion to swimsuits hasn't changed. If anything, it's just gotten more pronounced. Thankfully there are few occasions that call for bikinis these days and I managed to avoid wearing a swimsuit at all for several years.
Something one can't avoid? Blue jeans. After all, they're America's casual wear. And when you're overweight, they're one of the hardest articles of clothing to buy. At my largest, I remember standing in front of the mirror at Gap, trying to find a pair that looked the least horrible on my fat thighs and covered my muffin top completely. It was painful, excruciating even, to try on that unforgiving denim. Bring on the yoga pants!
So it's not a coincidence that, 14 months ago, when I started this diet journey, I promised myself that getting to my goal size would be rewarded with a really great pair of blue jeans.
Yesterday was that day. After giving up on the Hogs' Oxford debacle, I traveled to Tulsa and entered the premium denim section of Saks. And while I'm still not ready for skinny jeans, I did purchase a really expensive pair of jeans that make me feel fabulous and help me celebrate the achievement of my goal. They're FOUR SIZES smaller than the jeans I bought just over a year ago. And yeah, they were an extravagant purchase, but every time I wear them, I'll think about all the hours and hours of sweat on the treadmill. The hundreds of yoga poses and thousands of gallons of water. All of the times I really wanted a cheeseburger but ate the salad instead.
I'll be showing off my fabulous butt in my new jeans this Friday evening on my date with Jen. :) Until then, it's lettuce and water.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
I have no words
Yes, this is really Taylor. My shy, sweet nephew has turned into the life of the party. I suppose he gets that from our side of the family.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Rain, rain go away
Lots going on, but nothing exciting. Except BON JOVI IS COMING TO TULSA IN APRIL. Woo-hoo!
Oh, and I go to Texas in less than a week. Yay!
Yesterday I did manage to get the LB scoop. I'm sure I'll share it at some point, but right now I'm pretending not to care. And Jennifer is working on a distraction for me, I hope. :)
Oh, and I go to Texas in less than a week. Yay!
Yesterday I did manage to get the LB scoop. I'm sure I'll share it at some point, but right now I'm pretending not to care. And Jennifer is working on a distraction for me, I hope. :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Big time in Little Rock
It was a great weekend in the capitol city. The hotel was first-class all the way, from the three valets who scampered to park my Toyota to the turndown service and chocolates on the pillow, the Capital Hotel exceeded even my bratty expectations. As I told Estella, I just felt fabulous walking through the front door.
The Race was great as usual (Little Rock has the best RFTC of all those I've done, except Jen's not there), and we finished a full 30 minutes under last year's time, which is miraculous considering how hard it is to walk while sandwiched among 50,000 other people.
Estella and I met Joe and Kevin for dinner at Ya Ya's on Friday night, which was yum yum, and we had a fabulous brunch of fried green tomatoes and lox and bagels on Saturday before my return to NWA.
This morning I left off the deodorant and perfume in preparation for my annual boob smashing extravaganza, but they called me when I pulled in the parking lot to tell me the machine was broken, so I get to skip smelling nice on Wednesday now too. I didn't have time to do yoga with Pam today, but I did do six miles on the treadmill to make up for the excessive calorie consumption of the weekend.
In a mere 10 days I get to go to Temple. Wahoo! Can't wait.
Oh, and Taylor texted me today to ask if he could borrow a pageant dress for powder puff homecoming on Friday. Yes, I will be attending, and yes, there will be video. Especially of halftime, when they'll be performing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance. Heh.
The Race was great as usual (Little Rock has the best RFTC of all those I've done, except Jen's not there), and we finished a full 30 minutes under last year's time, which is miraculous considering how hard it is to walk while sandwiched among 50,000 other people.
Estella and I met Joe and Kevin for dinner at Ya Ya's on Friday night, which was yum yum, and we had a fabulous brunch of fried green tomatoes and lox and bagels on Saturday before my return to NWA.
This morning I left off the deodorant and perfume in preparation for my annual boob smashing extravaganza, but they called me when I pulled in the parking lot to tell me the machine was broken, so I get to skip smelling nice on Wednesday now too. I didn't have time to do yoga with Pam today, but I did do six miles on the treadmill to make up for the excessive calorie consumption of the weekend.
In a mere 10 days I get to go to Temple. Wahoo! Can't wait.
Oh, and Taylor texted me today to ask if he could borrow a pageant dress for powder puff homecoming on Friday. Yes, I will be attending, and yes, there will be video. Especially of halftime, when they'll be performing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance. Heh.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Halfway there
My life is full of dichotomies. On the one hand, I get to travel all the time. On the other, I have to travel all the time. Room upgrades are fun. Sleeping in a strange bed not so much. Sometimes it's awesome to be me, but sometimes it sucks. I suppose it all evens out in the end, right?
This morning I had a massage (nice) then worked through lunch (not so nice). After office yoga with Pam and perky Bethany, I worked a bit more then went to a business after hours event. Now I'm sitting at the Fairfield Inn in Russellville, where I got upgraded to a suite for no apparent reason (they know I used to be Miss Tech, I'm sure). But when you arrive around 10 p.m., there's not much time to enjoy the luxury.
Tomorrow I'm working in the Little Rock office, then it's dinner with Estella, Joe and Kevin before my night at the Capital Hotel (which is very, very nice). Saturday's the Race for the Cure in Little Rock, so I'm happy to be staying downtown and not fighting traffic.
The point of all of this, you wonder? I spend half of my days thinking how very lucky I am to have a cool job where I get to stay in nice hotels and eat at nice restaurants, and the other half of my days thinking how uncool it is that my job stresses me out so much. I get sick of the car. I forgot to pay my house payment. I obsessively check my BlackBerry. But at least I often do it in a hotel suite or while eating a fabulous meal.
My boss was right. I do need to get a life. And perhaps sleep in my own bed.
This morning I had a massage (nice) then worked through lunch (not so nice). After office yoga with Pam and perky Bethany, I worked a bit more then went to a business after hours event. Now I'm sitting at the Fairfield Inn in Russellville, where I got upgraded to a suite for no apparent reason (they know I used to be Miss Tech, I'm sure). But when you arrive around 10 p.m., there's not much time to enjoy the luxury.
Tomorrow I'm working in the Little Rock office, then it's dinner with Estella, Joe and Kevin before my night at the Capital Hotel (which is very, very nice). Saturday's the Race for the Cure in Little Rock, so I'm happy to be staying downtown and not fighting traffic.
The point of all of this, you wonder? I spend half of my days thinking how very lucky I am to have a cool job where I get to stay in nice hotels and eat at nice restaurants, and the other half of my days thinking how uncool it is that my job stresses me out so much. I get sick of the car. I forgot to pay my house payment. I obsessively check my BlackBerry. But at least I often do it in a hotel suite or while eating a fabulous meal.
My boss was right. I do need to get a life. And perhaps sleep in my own bed.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Splat
It's just been one of those days. But due to the grace of God and a little yoga, I managed not to throttle anyone. Yet.
I just arrived home from my marathon day of meetings and annoyances. I spent four hours composing and editing an e-mail dissertation opining many subjects, not the least of which is that I am always right. The sooner everyone realizes and acknowledges that, the happier we'll all be, k?
After six or seven hours on the edge, work Jennifer (whom we'll heretofore call Pam to separate her from cousin-in-law Jennifer, and because she looks like Pam from "The Office") and I escaped to our self-proclaimed office yoga studio (a classroom with a huge projection TV where we spread out our mats and sweat through downward facing dog for 45 minutes) to relax and stretch. I like that Pam has decided to join me in my quest for zen and flexibility. It motivates me not to cheat in my poses or throw anything at Bethany, the perky girl from the yoga video. Bethany is less than 10% body fat and wears a do-rag over her uneven pigtails. How can I not hate her?
Luckily I logged three miles on the treadmill this morning before I went to work since I didn't make it home early enough for a third workout. I really wanted to since today I've eaten the equivalent of a small vending machine: granola bar, Reese's cup, and potato chips. All washed down with gallons of diet coke. But when you eat all three meals at your desk, what do you expect? Maybe Pam will bring in a George Foreman grill and make me a sandwich, unless Michael Scott has burned his foot in there.
I welcomed a new group at work tonight (which I LOVE) and that put me in a much better mood, until I left the office and face planted on the asphalt. After looking around to ensure that no one witnessed my lack of grace and checking to see if my laptop sustained any damage, I realized that my right knee was bleeding, and that I ruined my favorite pants from Express. Curses! I'm guessing patches on dress pants aren't a good look, right? My skinned palms, knees and egos will heal, but my $80 pants will not survive.
You know you're getting old when you trip over your own two feet stepping off a six-inch curb and anticipate the body aches that will surely come in the morning. I also may have purchased a fanny pack tonight. But I totally need it to store my keys and camera during races because my running gear doesn't have pockets. I may also need it for the Ben Gay and false teeth in my near future. I'm a bedazzled sweatshirt and a pair of gold easy spirits away from becoming my grandmother.
Luckily tomorrow is an awesome work-from-home day, so I just have to wake up and pick up my laptop. No shower required! It's been a very productive day, wipeouts and arguments notwithstanding.
Let's all get some sleep now, shall we? I'm slumber party giddy and punch drunk.
I just arrived home from my marathon day of meetings and annoyances. I spent four hours composing and editing an e-mail dissertation opining many subjects, not the least of which is that I am always right. The sooner everyone realizes and acknowledges that, the happier we'll all be, k?
After six or seven hours on the edge, work Jennifer (whom we'll heretofore call Pam to separate her from cousin-in-law Jennifer, and because she looks like Pam from "The Office") and I escaped to our self-proclaimed office yoga studio (a classroom with a huge projection TV where we spread out our mats and sweat through downward facing dog for 45 minutes) to relax and stretch. I like that Pam has decided to join me in my quest for zen and flexibility. It motivates me not to cheat in my poses or throw anything at Bethany, the perky girl from the yoga video. Bethany is less than 10% body fat and wears a do-rag over her uneven pigtails. How can I not hate her?
Luckily I logged three miles on the treadmill this morning before I went to work since I didn't make it home early enough for a third workout. I really wanted to since today I've eaten the equivalent of a small vending machine: granola bar, Reese's cup, and potato chips. All washed down with gallons of diet coke. But when you eat all three meals at your desk, what do you expect? Maybe Pam will bring in a George Foreman grill and make me a sandwich, unless Michael Scott has burned his foot in there.
I welcomed a new group at work tonight (which I LOVE) and that put me in a much better mood, until I left the office and face planted on the asphalt. After looking around to ensure that no one witnessed my lack of grace and checking to see if my laptop sustained any damage, I realized that my right knee was bleeding, and that I ruined my favorite pants from Express. Curses! I'm guessing patches on dress pants aren't a good look, right? My skinned palms, knees and egos will heal, but my $80 pants will not survive.
You know you're getting old when you trip over your own two feet stepping off a six-inch curb and anticipate the body aches that will surely come in the morning. I also may have purchased a fanny pack tonight. But I totally need it to store my keys and camera during races because my running gear doesn't have pockets. I may also need it for the Ben Gay and false teeth in my near future. I'm a bedazzled sweatshirt and a pair of gold easy spirits away from becoming my grandmother.
Luckily tomorrow is an awesome work-from-home day, so I just have to wake up and pick up my laptop. No shower required! It's been a very productive day, wipeouts and arguments notwithstanding.
Let's all get some sleep now, shall we? I'm slumber party giddy and punch drunk.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Austin fashion
The awesome Jen and I will be participating in the Race for the Cure in Austin in a few weeks. And since we find ourselves so amusing, we'll be wearing these shirts.
They're limited editions (there are exactly two of 'em in the world). And we don't care if anyone else finds us funny. We find ourselves quite hysterical.
I'm not really sure how I survived my family before she married into it. She's already told Lon that she gets me in the divorce. I doubt he'll fight her for custody.
They're limited editions (there are exactly two of 'em in the world). And we don't care if anyone else finds us funny. We find ourselves quite hysterical.
I'm not really sure how I survived my family before she married into it. She's already told Lon that she gets me in the divorce. I doubt he'll fight her for custody.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Surprise your man
Ok, another video. I'll let you submit your suggestions of anyone it may call to mind.
Just two wild and crazy gals
So my night turned out to be a bit disappointing. After some power shopping, Alisa and I ended up at Powerhouse, which was a decent steak, but certainly not the haute cuisine that I expected. Steak in Mountain Home? Much, much better.
We had plans to hit the piano bar afterwards (which I love), but due to the tornado warning and ensuing deluge, we waded water to our shins (I kid you not) to the car and decided to return, albeit slowly, back to the hotel.
So now I'm soaked and tired. Guess I'm too old to party hardy after all. The most important thing is that we got to spend time together and visit. Besides, all the weather preempted the Pam and Jim wedding on 'The Office,' so I would have been frustrated, anyway. At least I can watch it tomorrow via InDemand and not have to listen to the weather watchers when I should be listening to Michael Scott spew some nuggets of wisdom at Niagra Falls.
Bedtime at 10 p.m. Jen, that means you and your man friend are off the hook.
TGIF!
We had plans to hit the piano bar afterwards (which I love), but due to the tornado warning and ensuing deluge, we waded water to our shins (I kid you not) to the car and decided to return, albeit slowly, back to the hotel.
So now I'm soaked and tired. Guess I'm too old to party hardy after all. The most important thing is that we got to spend time together and visit. Besides, all the weather preempted the Pam and Jim wedding on 'The Office,' so I would have been frustrated, anyway. At least I can watch it tomorrow via InDemand and not have to listen to the weather watchers when I should be listening to Michael Scott spew some nuggets of wisdom at Niagra Falls.
Bedtime at 10 p.m. Jen, that means you and your man friend are off the hook.
TGIF!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Two-fer
Ok, I know I'm hateful and that I should stop laughing at this poor girl already, but really... if you're that clueless, stop broadcasting it on TV.
Because that's a catastrophe.
The other girl from that episode was smart, but just couldn't put down her fork and prepare for swimsuit, a condition that this former pageant girl can totally identify with. I'll let you guess which one won and which one ended up in tears. I'd like to tell that girl that someday she'd prefer to be 10 lbs. overweight to not being able to hold a real conversation. You can run some extra miles but, as Ron White would say, "You can't fix stupid."
I'm currently at a conference and our keynote speaker tonight was Walt Coleman, NFL referee imfamous for the tuck rule call that gave the Pats the win that led to a Super Bowl. He also makes milk, but he didn't talk about that much. He was supremely hilarious and I enjoyed him a lot.
In addition to numerous funny andecdotes, he did say one profound thing: we can't be perfect, but we can be excellent (yeah, tell that to Al Davis).
It's been a good day. Tomorrow is more conference and dinner and frivolity with Alisa. Yay!
Because that's a catastrophe.
The other girl from that episode was smart, but just couldn't put down her fork and prepare for swimsuit, a condition that this former pageant girl can totally identify with. I'll let you guess which one won and which one ended up in tears. I'd like to tell that girl that someday she'd prefer to be 10 lbs. overweight to not being able to hold a real conversation. You can run some extra miles but, as Ron White would say, "You can't fix stupid."
I'm currently at a conference and our keynote speaker tonight was Walt Coleman, NFL referee imfamous for the tuck rule call that gave the Pats the win that led to a Super Bowl. He also makes milk, but he didn't talk about that much. He was supremely hilarious and I enjoyed him a lot.
In addition to numerous funny andecdotes, he did say one profound thing: we can't be perfect, but we can be excellent (yeah, tell that to Al Davis).
It's been a good day. Tomorrow is more conference and dinner and frivolity with Alisa. Yay!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Writer's block
I'm not quite sure why I've been so apathetic about this blog lately. Granted, nothing's really going on in my life, but that's never stopped me from writing about it before. James Patterson said last weekend that he has about 26 writing projects going right now, and that just makes me tired.
So perhaps I'm not a writer per se. Rather, my writing ebbs and flows, depending on the day and circumstance. Plus my life's been consumed of late with getting my DVR cleared. I watch way too much television.
I am super excited that I have a conference in Rogers the next three days and my BFF Alisa will be there. I'm pumped to show her around my new hometown and just hang out and visit like the old days.
So that's it for now. Not much of an update, but at least you all know I'm still kicking.
So perhaps I'm not a writer per se. Rather, my writing ebbs and flows, depending on the day and circumstance. Plus my life's been consumed of late with getting my DVR cleared. I watch way too much television.
I am super excited that I have a conference in Rogers the next three days and my BFF Alisa will be there. I'm pumped to show her around my new hometown and just hang out and visit like the old days.
So that's it for now. Not much of an update, but at least you all know I'm still kicking.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Quote of the day
"When we trust our lives to the unseen but ever present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read. With a great end!"
(I totally stole that from someone's FB status, but I love it!)
(I totally stole that from someone's FB status, but I love it!)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Alex Cross, James Patterson, and some random chick
The charmed life continues. Not only did I get to say hello to James Patterson this evening, he actually came over and sat at our table of five and discussed his creative process and how he collaborates with (read: gets rich from) other authors. He was really charming and funny and down-to-earth. He then autographed our books and graciously took photos.
Afterward we headed out for sushi.
Sushi, autographed hardcopy book, and photo with NYT bestselling author = 0 dollars
Not being disappointed in a famous person = priceless
Tomorrow morning it's back to JQH for breakfast and listening to JP talk about writing.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Meltdown
It's official. I've lost my mind.
I spent the morning finishing my PowerPoint and working on my video for today's Bored (sic) meeting. I didn't have much to say, nor did my boss, so we planned a quick dog and pony show.
Little did I know that we were last on the three-hour agenda. Little did I know that I would lose all sense of decorum and intelligence and veer off on a random tangent during my presentation.
Granted, my mom was known for getting her train derailed often on the conversation track, but I try to be concise when I speak. I had an outline. I had an agenda. I had SLIDES for Pete's sake.
But one of the... ahem... older gentlemen asked me a question and I found myself talking about the economy. About politics. About other colleges, and Chambers of Commerce and road construction. For eons I droned on and on. Surprising and boring even myself. Where did that come from?
My poor boss. I'm sure he's mortified. And bless that sweet guy's heart, he kept me afterwards (it had been four hours by this point) to ask my opinion about a whole array of subjects. Like economic development and tourism in the great city of Austin, Texas. And football. And the housing market.
Verbal diarrhea strikes again.
At least I get to meet James Patterson tomorrow. Wonder if he wants to discuss some random things with me?
I spent the morning finishing my PowerPoint and working on my video for today's Bored (sic) meeting. I didn't have much to say, nor did my boss, so we planned a quick dog and pony show.
Little did I know that we were last on the three-hour agenda. Little did I know that I would lose all sense of decorum and intelligence and veer off on a random tangent during my presentation.
Granted, my mom was known for getting her train derailed often on the conversation track, but I try to be concise when I speak. I had an outline. I had an agenda. I had SLIDES for Pete's sake.
But one of the... ahem... older gentlemen asked me a question and I found myself talking about the economy. About politics. About other colleges, and Chambers of Commerce and road construction. For eons I droned on and on. Surprising and boring even myself. Where did that come from?
My poor boss. I'm sure he's mortified. And bless that sweet guy's heart, he kept me afterwards (it had been four hours by this point) to ask my opinion about a whole array of subjects. Like economic development and tourism in the great city of Austin, Texas. And football. And the housing market.
Verbal diarrhea strikes again.
At least I get to meet James Patterson tomorrow. Wonder if he wants to discuss some random things with me?
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