No Foodie Friday Here

If you look forward to Foodie Friday, you will most likely have to wait until next week. I've got nothing. But I did wear my pretty new suit to a presentation yesterday...it went well, I guess. This week has been hell - lots to do. But next week is 'dead week' then exams, then it is all over. Yuh. College is O.V.E.R. What!? Where did the past 4 years go? And what the hell was I doing all of this time?

And what am I supposed to do May 11th (the first Monday as a real person)? I haven't been going on interviews or looking for jobs. Yeah, slacker, huh? Ever since my boss told me there was possibility of me growing here, I have kind of taken that for granted. I should be creating a marketing plan for him, but I haven't had time. I should be looking into continuing education or other jobs...but I don't have time, and the only jobs out there are sales. I would honestly be the WORST sales person.

So, I guess I kind of don't know what to do now, and the funny thing is? I'm not even stressed about it. Maybe I should be, oh well.

I didn't workout the past two days and it is killing me. I must workout today when I get home from work. It grosses me out just sitting at this desk feeling like I could be doing something productive with my body.

Well that is it for my random thought process. Have a great weekend everyone!

Skinny Bitch! That's Me!

I have been pretty focused on exercising lately and even more so on decreasing my caloric intake. I have the livestrong app. on my iPhone which tells me how many calories I need to be taking in in order to achieve a goal. They do this by taking my weight, age and height and comparing it to my activity level. The app. tells me I should be in taking about 1600 calories in order to loose a pound a week. I'm not overweight by any stretch of the imagination but I want to loose the 5-8 lbs. I put on when I came to college.

This past weekend I hopped on the scale to find I have lost 5 lbs!!!! Yay!!! Go me!!! Here is what I do:
Breakfast-multi grain cheerios with skim milk and sliced strawberries
Lunch-usually a turkey sandwich on multi-grain bread
Dinner-Ellie Krieger’s egg salad wrap or other low cal recipe
Snacks: none (unless really needed, in that case I do the walnuts and cherries)
Caveat: I usually consume less than the advised calories and then do exercise to burn more...just to be sure

Exercise:Monday and Wednesdays I have a Pilates class for 50 mins. Also, 3-5 times a week I do Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred video. It is a quick but intense workout that incorporates strength, cardio and abs. I'm on level 2 now, but once I finish level 3 I'm going to buy her No More Trouble Zones because it is an hour long workout that focuses on a lot of places all of us ladies worry about.

Generally on the weekends I let go and drink and eat a lot. But I’m ok with that...if I didn't reward myself I would go crazy trying to eat/exercise perfectly all of the time. And I'm fairly certain my method is working for me - the proof is on the scale! I'm happy about the discipline I have incorporated into my life and the results I have seen, but I still have a ways to go. I have more goals to reach before being completely satisfied with my body.

Oh PS - no word from Navy Boy yet...expecting a letter this week though. If anyone has any thoughts on what to write to him about, please help me out!

Get into Shape

The summer is approaching quickly, and since I have no idea if I will be employed, I need to be bathing suit ready in case I'm not and have to spend a bunch of time at the beach to pass the time. So I'm doing the 20 SB Biggest Loser thing like I mentioned, and the Jillian stuff AND I got this cool new app. for my iPhone. If you have an iPhone, you totally have to get it. It is called Nike Training.

You don't have to have an iPhone to reap the benefits though. Basically, you go online (Nike Women) and create a profile. You even get to make a little dudette and tell them what your focus is (cardio/core/strength) and how many times you will work out a week. Then it becomes kind of a competition. You can invite friends and there is a leader board and everything. It also gives you specific workouts to do each day and tracks your progress.

So if anyone wants to join me, post a comment here letting me know and I'll invite you to my competition! It will be a fun way to get into shape and support each other while we do so!

Hump Day

Happy hump day! We are out of school today for the Thanksgiving holiday, and since I usually only work Tuesdays and Thursdays, I won't be doing anything today! Actually, I have to pass a computer proficiency exam on December 6 where you have to know everything about the new versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. I think I'm good to go with the first three, but I have never used or heard of people using Access. So I will be spending the day studying for that test and possibly helping my mom paint. Oh - I should probably go for a run too, since I will be participating in the Turkey Trot 5-K tomorrow and I have only run once in the past two weeks!

I also need to get many things organized for my other exams in the beginning of December, so this break will be great if I can motivate myself to get all of it out of the way. A few more goals of mine over break are to seriously look into jobs and schools, and update my resume. I also hope to get some books on taking the GMAT and GRE (both since I don't know what I want to study when I get done).

Whew, this break isn't going to be as relaxing as I hoped. What will you do over the holiday? Any travel plans?

Weekly Update

My weekend was, interesting. For starters, roommate and I went out Thursday night. We don't usually do this because we are old hags who prefer to stay in and watch TV and go to bed promptly at 11PM. But for some reason we got this crazy notion to go out. We drank too much and I missed my two classes on Friday.

Friday night we went to UNC-Chapel Hill to hang out with Al (my best guy friend) and some of his friends from his study abroad in Spain last semester. I was still recovering from the night before so I took it easy. I don't really enjoy being sober at a bar where everyone else is drunk, but Friday night wasn't so bad. Roommate and I got hit on 4 times and each time was equally as disturbing.

Saturday we had a football game. The festivities began at 10AM. Bad idea. We didn't stop drinking until 2AM. I was in rare form that night. Gary, the ex, tried to kiss me. In all of my vulnerability, I almost caved in. But I didn't, and I'm so glad. Things are going great with Dru and I could have ruined it all for nothing. Gary and I will never work out again, so I don't know why we occasionally fool ourselves.

Speaking of Dru...HE COMES TO VISIT IN 3 DAYS! I couldn't be more excited. My apartment is coming together (see pictures tomorrow!) and I am running again and I feel like a giddy school girl. I'm also nervous. I really hope he has a good time. The plan is to maybe go out for a few drinks after he gets in Friday night (at 9:30!). The next morning we have to be up super early to make it to my sister's boyfriend's house by 8:30AM in Chapel Hill (30 minute drive). My school is playing her school in football and her boyfriend is hosting a "Kegs and Eggs" party. I'm going to make a breakfast casserole to take over. Yum! Maybe I can remember to post the recipe here...

My parents want to have a brunch at their house Sunday morning. And I don't know if I am ready to have Dru to my parents' house. I have been to his parents' house but it was really informal...I mean we just went over to show our skydiving videos then left. Ahh! But I know it will hurt my mom's feelings if I don't bring him over...so whatever. Hopefully my sister and her bf will be in attendance as well so it won't be as awkward.

Oh, my running! Yeah I started again (last night haha) because I will be participating in the annual 'Turkey Trot' in my cousin's neighborhood on Thanksgiving morning. I'm really excited that I have a goal to work towards. It is only a 5K, but I'm happy to start small and work my way up. The mimosa station is at her house too, so I'm SUPER excited about that part!

One last thing, then I'll end another one of my never ending posts. I'm going to my first work-related function on Thursday. It is a Toronto Stock Exchange luncheon, workshop, then networking cocktail. I'm so nervous I can already feel my hands shaking come Thursday morning. Here are some reasons why:

1. This event is specified on the website to be for CEOs and CFOs, financiers of private and public companies and advisors to private and public companies. I AM AN INTERN.
2. I don't have a business card...did I mention this is a networking event.
3. I understand the TSX less than I understand the US stock exchanges (to which my knowledge is far from impressive).
4. I'm not really even sure how to explain what my company does. I only help with the basic stuff.
5. I've never been to a networking event before.

Maybe I should quit my whining and take it all in. I know this will be a great learning experience for me and probably great for my career as well. I should thank my boss for inviting me to attend, and really learn from everything I hear and everyone I meet. But any suggestions in getting over the initial nervousness would really help!

Have a great week everyone!

I Went Shoppinggggg!!!!

I am so pleased with myself! I went shopping this weekend, but didn't spend too much! I just want to scream! OK here is the loot (and savings):

Theory Print Sleeveless Dress

Originally: $295

What I Paid: $175

Savings: $120

Off-The-Shoulder Top from The Limited

Originally: $29.95

What I paid: $4.80

Savings: $25.15

(Sorry I couldn't find a picture)

Skinny Hinged Enamel Bangle from Banana Republic

Originally: $24 each

What I paid: $9.98

Savings: $38.02

Grand Total: $189.78

Total Amount Saved: $183.17

Not too shabby! I always feel good when I save just as much (or more) than I spend!

I am headed back to the mall today to get a few more things for my trip...basic staples that I just need in my closet. I leave in 2 days!!!

Oh, and just a little update on my running - I'm up to 3 miles now! Go me!

Oh, and YAY MICHAEL PHELPS-3 golds! Go USA! (If anyone knows him/has his phone number, you can give it to me. Thanks)

Slackers.

I thought being away from my desk at work for two days (thus away from the blogging world) would put me so far behind that it would take the better part of the week to catch up. Well I was wrong. Apparently everyone is slacking, not just me. I guess everyone is jamming their vacations in before all of the schools start back? Who knows.

I am a slacker too though. I didn't run yesterday. But it wasn't completely my fault. My alarm didn't go off. I hate when this happens. I hate the few minutes where you can't tell if you are reading the clock right, and if it is actually a work day so do you have to get up, and 'am I dreaming this?' all kicks your brain at once.

I feel like I have also been slacking off on this blog. My posts don't seem to be that interesting. It is like I think of great things to write about all of the time, except when I am in front of the computer. I need to start writing them down right when I think of them instead of telling myself that my memory is going to start magically working again.

Random Alert:: I had a dream last night that was really weird. I dreamt I was in LA showing my friend around. We were having to climb over all of this construction on Hollywood Blvd and I fell into some plywood. It was really strange.

I am always intrigued by where I am and what I am doing when I remember a dream from the previous night. This morning I was leaning over on my bed stretching out my hammies when I remembered this dream. Maybe it was the falling sensation? Who knows. I wish I could remember more of the dream though. I am usually a pretty vivid dreamer. I always have a dream to report, but for the past couple of weeks I haven't been having as many.

Maybe all of the creative juices have somehow left my body. Maybe if you are living on the edge you aren't allowed to be creative? I am going to blame this on my slacker-ness on blog writing, dreaming and the occasional skipped workout.

In what aspects of life are you a slacker?

Gadgets Galore!

We all know and love stores like Brookstone and Sharper Image. They are common go-to stores when Dad's birthday rolls around or the annual Father's Day celebrations commence. The one thing I know I can always count on to put a smile on my dad's face is a brand new gadget. When he responds to the "What do you want for your birthday/father's day/Christmas?" question with the answer, "I don't really need anything," I know immediately he wants a gadget. There are two reasons this particular response is chosen:

1. He doesn't want anyone to give him underwear/socks/ties/shirts.
2. He really wants a gadget (read: all gadgets), but doesn't know which ones.

As a result of being alive for 21 years, I have learned to love Brookstone and Sharper Image*. I also have to admit here that I am a total Daddy's Girl and want to be just like him...leading to my own little gadget affection.

My last trip to Brookstone was in California with Ed (see I told you all of my stories relate back to CA). The morning after a serious night of drinking we were wondering around 3rd Street in Santa Monica.

"Brookstone!" Ed proclaims.
Me: "Huh!?!"

Ed continues to explain that he enjoys going into Brookstone on his break from work (which happens to be right across the street) when he is feeling hung-over. You may ask, "Why Brookstone?" Well apparently, Ed has found the secret of the magical massage chairs. They are rarely available, but if you wait around long enough I promise, it will be worth it. These chairs are great for the soreness you feel all over your body, and if you are lucky enough to get the one that massages your head too, you can kiss that menacing hang-over good-bye!

The Holy Grail

I digress; this post was originally dedicated to the endless amounts of pointless inventions the Brookstone and Sharper Image innovators create to make you believe said product will enhance your life.

Now I want to show you a particular item Ed and I found on this very trip to Brookstone while we wandered, waiting for a magic chair:

The iGallop

First, let me ask, why is everything now prefaced with an "i" when it clearly isn't an iPod, iPhone, iTouch and not made by Apple? I mean it doesn't even like hook up to anything made by Apple.

Second, WHAT THE? What is this? Brookstone tells me it is a workout for your abs. But I'm convinced it is a sex toy. See picture below:

I rest my case.

Let it be known that Ed and I laughed so hard we cried when we first discovered this. I refused to get on, but Ed did and looked like a complete idiot. And I have a feeling it in no way helps anymore than crunches do...maybe less. After we walked away from the bull machine, a big tough guy got on and I think I peed myself laughing so hard.

There was one other thing that was equally hilarious in the store that day, but I can not remember it for the life of me and do not have the patience to search through all of Brookstone's stock. I will definitely post it if I find it though. Until then, gallop away.

Do you have any funny/interesting inventions you have seen recently?

*Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy a few months back, and will be closing almost half of their stores (read about it here). My Sharper Image store in the local mall was one of these unfortunate stores forced to close its doors. Thanks withering economy.

Weekend Update

Well...my weekend was relaxing I guess. This was the first weekend of the summer I didn't have a thing planned. I sat around the pool, worked-out and went out. I did some babysitting to fuel my next trip to the west coast and I helped my sister move out of her apartment.

Going out with my sister and her friends is always fun. Some creepy dude tried to follow us to the car, but finally got the hint when a friend said, "WE ARE NOT TAKING YOU TO YOUR HOUSE OR OURS. GET ANOTHER RIDE." I mean, really people? Really? Some kids are just too weird.

Gary came to town this weekend with his new girl. As a result, none of my normal friends would hang out with me because they are shoved so far up his ass, they haven't seen daylight in 10 years. Harsh? Yeah, well to explain my anger more: when I found this out I went on a work-out rampage and didn't stop for 2 1/2 hours. Good for my body - yes. Good for my mind - no.

Ed was really sweet about it though, I told him what the deal was and he responded with, "Well I would hang out with you if I was there. I'm not obsessed with s-ing his d (I don't want to type that out, it seems too vulgar for this blog) like everyone else."

My response: "Thanks! That's good to hear." Hah.

Yeah so me and Ed had some good conversations this weekend. And as a result, I deem this weekend pretty successful.

I ran today after taking 1 day off. I did a route with a giant hill. Almost died. Definitely going to be limiting that route to twice a week...it will not become an everyday thing for quite sometime. But I know it was good for me. Tomorrow I plan on lengthening the run just a bit.

What A Wonderful Day In The Neighborhood

Good news Time Warner Cable users! (Well at least those in my area) Project Runway is moving to Lifetime next season! For all of you who currently get Bravo, let me explain. Where I live, Bravo is a myth, a channel with great shows that is a mystery to us all. When I was in LA (why do all of my sentences start with that phrase these days?) I was exposed to Bravo. And I loved it. I spent a whole day watching the first season of Project Runway (woo for marathons!).

When I returned home, all of the blogs were buzzing about the premier of the next season. Then I heard how great it was. And it just made me long for California even more. (Y'all have noticed I am obsessed with that state right?)

Well HA BITCHES. Next season I will get to watch! However, I still won't be able to view the rest of the great shows on Bravo. But I am going to write letters to TWC until they get the point that they need to add this channel.

P.S. I ran the whole time this morning! So I started running Tuesday. I walked about 1/4 of the time that day. Then yesterday I walked only like half of that. Each day I have shaved off about 2 mins. Today I didn't walk at all, so I have shaved off about 4 mins. total. Go me! Go me! Go me!

M.I.A.

You think that stands for Missing In Action, right? Well today, my friends, you are wrong. Today is has two meanings.

1. Mission In Action - I got up and ran this morning! Finally I have put my mission into place. And my motivation? I bought my plane ticket to LA. Weird, huh? Originally my plan was NOT to go to LA, work out and all that mess. But hey, what can a girl do? My plane ticket only cost me $175 to get across the country and back. You can't do that in a Prius! So yeah, back to my running. I got up at 6:30AM and was out the door at 6:38AM. I returned back at 7AM. I'm thinking I ran about a mile, so considering I walked out/in of the parking lot (which is surprisingly big) and walked just a little bit during the mile...I think I made pretty good time. Let me tell you before your criticize: I haven't run outdoors in 3 years (long story full of surgeries - for another day). So, all in all, I say go me ! And since I have tweaked my mission slightly with the addition of LA, I have decided to up my work out regimen and be totally hot and fit in 3 weeks (when I go back).
2. M.I.A. - I would put what it means here, but I'm not exactly sure. This is my new fave music group. I think they are from Africa or England? Haha...idk. I have plans to research them today. But if you are looking for some new great music, listen to their song Planes. It is great. Every time it comes on I just want to move. Jan (the roomie) and I have made up a dance to the chours and everything. Planes is really the only song of theirs I know right now - I don't want to download anything in an effort to save money - but I plan on buying both of their albums in the near future (the previews I have listened to on iTunes are great).