Varying Views
November 30th, 2009 § 9 Comments
Happy Monday! How was the rest of your holiday weekend? I got a little too wrapped up in my time and didn’t get to post – sorry! Here’s what the rest of my time down South looked like.
Saturday night we went to dinner at The Oasis on Lake Travis. The story behind this place is that it was struck by lightning in 2005, completely destroying 80 percent of the decks. They immediately started rebuilding and now the restaurant can seat over 2,000 people and it serves as a great venue for parties, events and even weddings (there was one on Saturday – awww.)
The menu is mostly Mexican and American fare, but many people travel to this destination place for the views and the sunset. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
The homes on the shores of Lake Travis are like something you’d see in California – huge just absolutely huge. It’s the same area where Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey live. I don’t know who lives in the above pictured, but I would like to be their friend. 
As Sarah said, “You know you’ve made it when you live in Lake Travis.”
As I Tweeted Saturday, it’s views like these that make me grateful for my life.
If you ever visit Austin, make this a must on your list of places to see – at sunset obviously!
For dinner, I had chicken fajitas, which I could not finish because my appetite had ceased since my race – does this happen to anyone else?
But of course I saved room for some dessert – peppermint ice cream and cookies! Sarah and I split this.
Mmmmm peppy-mint! I must find some of this ice cream!
We spent the rest of the evening and yesterday just relaxing. I did attempt a run on Saturday and got very, very lost in my parents’ development. Cursing may or may not have ensued. I was also pretty sore, so more walking than running occurred.
I had minimal time between flights yesterday so the traveling went quick. I flew down on a different carrier where I could leave my larger suitcase plane side. On the way home – not so much. Homegirl held up the aisle ripping the bulge of workout clothes from suitcase to carry on in an effort to stuff it in the overhead bin. That left me in an even more panicked state trying to rummage through an already full bag to get out my book, iPod, laptop, etc. Oh, excuse me young teenage boy, that’s just my sports bra I flung across the aisle. Yep, I am pretty much that person who can’t keep their shit together on the flight.
And speaking of flying, does it completely drain anyone else? I mean it’s hard enough trying to lug 40 pounds of luggage across a tram and two terminals looking cute for my imaginary future husband, but daaaang some people are so rude. We all have to get somewhere, right? And technically it’s not my fault if you’re running late, right?!? OK then, glad we cleared that up – because you rammed past me like you were in the last stretch of the running of the bulls. Oh, and hey, just because the plane stops taxiing, doesn’t mean you have to leap out of your seat and park your toosh and over-sized manpurse in my face because guess what? sister’s gotta lug down her big blue suitcase and I really don’t think you want to get in the way of that, mmmmK?
Can you tell I was glad to be home?
If nothing else, my experiences flying will surely give me great material for my book.
Now – back to the grind!
Fruity Girl
November 28th, 2009 § 10 Comments
Happy Saturday friends! You don’t usually see a weekend post from me but I’m on vacation!! Yee Haw!!
As I said in my last post, I am not a Black Friday shopper. However, I have been contemplating a major purchase for several months now and knowing yesterday might be a great day to find a good deal, I took my Geek Squad (aka my brother) and went to do some research at the Apple store.
Currently, I have a Dell desktop. It still works just fine, but I can tell it’s starting to slow down. With the recent uptake of blogging, using it has limited me in when and where I can write. So I began researching several laptops. I looked into the one Verizon offers, as well as some from Dell and Sony. All along, though, I knew my gut was whispering, “Mac. You’re a Mac..Just do it, stupid.”
Cory, Sarah and I ventured down to the Domain, a very lush outdoor shopping area/mall? I don’t know, we have nothing of the sort in PA and spent some time in the Apple store, looking at different models and talking to the specialists. We decided to walk around a bit and think about it.
Of course a huge factor into this was the financial aspect of it. I knew I would have to finance the purchase but my family also offered to put some money toward it for Christmas. I crunched the numbers over and over again, and realized, yes I can afford this (and not be paying it off for the rest of my life.)
As we walked, I frantically emailed Happy Go Lucky Alex for some “machine advice.” She is a Mac user and said something very poignant:
Nevermind. Screw being realistic. You are a writer, you need a good machine. Scratch that. You deserve a good machine, Caitlin! Macs are the best hands down, stop walking, start buying.
I read that and said, “She’s right, I’m a writer, dammit. Let’s do this.”
So with that, a Mac user was born.
Alex congratulated me.
Thanks, girl!! So here I am, coming to you live from my new MacBook. I have to admit, it’s pretty nice to just chill on the couch or hang out in the kitchen and blog. Hello Bliss, I have arrived. Boy, a lot of changes already in this Twenty-Fifth Year! Thanks for joining me on the ride!!
The rest of the day was pretty low key. I had Cory and Sarah try Green Monsters:
Verdict? They liked it! Hey Mikey! (They both licked the little shot glass – so yeah, it was goooood.)
And me? Well c’mon..
Last night we had some Texas BBQ
Followed by Breakfast Tacos this morning both from Smokey Mos.
Mine was egg, cheese and potato with some piquante sauce. Mmmmm!
We I also put up the Christmas tree. It’s a tradition in my house that I always do this solo. Mum put up the rest – and always does – so I am happy to do the tree. I’ll post pics after tonight – it’s prettier with the lights! I’m off to go “window shop” accessories for my new baby – I think I need to name her! Any suggestions?
How’s your weekend shaping up? Any fun plans? Tonight we’re going to dinner and out in Austin – I can’t wait!!
The Morning After
November 27th, 2009 § 5 Comments
Hi friends! How was your Turkey Day? Or just your Thursday in general if you are not a citizen of the good ‘ol U.S.A.? Mine was pretty darn good – started with a race and ended with a big old dinner – who could ask for more?
I woke up bright and early in Austin to this:
I ate my pre-race breakfast (peanut butter bagel and banana) packed up my gear and we headed to downtown Austin. We got there pretty early so I could pick up my bib and my chip. It was pretty chilly out – in the 40s – and people actually ran the race with North Face jackets and long pants. Oh, you Southerners – this is nothing! Come up to my neck of the woods in about two months!!
Then we just hung out for about an hour. There were several different events going on – a Kids 1K, the 5-mile Turkey Trot and a 1-mile walk. All three benefitted Caritas, an Austin charity. About 30 minutes before race start, the 5-milers started to line up. I said goodbye to my family and joined the pack. I stretched, tried to zone myself out, ya know. I don’t really have too many pre-race traditions except to say a prayer and just kind of slap my legs (it sounds weird but I did it for my first so I did it again) it’s as if to say c’mon let’s DO THIS! Then I took off!
As I said in an earlier post, my goal in this race was to just finish. I had not researched the course, and I hadn’t really run a good five miles before the race. Guys, I was not prepared. In my first race, I had so much adrenaline, I felt like I floated through the first mile. This time, my legs felt heavy then tight. I didn’t want to be running. I just felt unprepared. I decided to listen to my body rather than focus on other people – and people passing me. It’s so easy to psych yourself out in a race. There were lots of people walking the whole thing, or walking dogs or pushing strollers so I did slow down and walk more than a few times. The course had several hills, which I had never trained on – the stadium loop is flat. I cursed every one.
Did I mention that one of the soft pieces on my ear buds was missing? Yeah. The right side of my headphones simply did not stay put. I cannot run without music, so I just kind of winged it with one and a half.
I honestly didn’t pay attention to the scenery, either. I know it’s a beautiful city that I’ll get to explore more of this weekend. I was just focused on completing the course. I beat myself up a little bit and got discouraged a few times. At one of those points, a man ran by with one of my mantras on his back, “I can do all things through Christ. He strengthens me.” Guys, this is something I chant when I want to give up. It was like a sign – I just pushed on through. Near the end of the course, at another point of discouragement, I turned to see only another hill! I told myself, “Screw this, I am done with the hills.” I sprinted right up that sucker and low and behold – the finish line was in sight!
The crowds cheering helped motivate me – I sprinted through that finish line, threw my arm in the air, pointing my finger up to the sky and screamed, “Yes!” (I’m sure the professional picture will be great.) I finished in just over an hour, which I am satisfied with as it is pretty close to the pace of my first race.
The good thing is I am taking away a lot from this race and I plan to amp up my training. I will be doing a lot more core training, lifting and tackling different terrains. I really want to do a big race this year, but I have a lot of work to do.
After a few minutes, I found my family. It was completely awesome to have them there supporting me. I plan to make this race a tradition and my family wants to participate, too, which. is. awesome. y’all.
My apology to UT fans/alumni – didn’t quite get the Hook ‘Em Horns – I just ran a race people!
Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the urge to sleep the day away. Nor did I have a ravenous appetite. I also was not sore (until today). But, since it was Thanksgiving and all, I did eat some great food. Sorry guys, I only managed to snap a before shot.
P.S. Totally love my parents’ new house.
The little one in the foreground is my brother and sister-in-law’s dog, Norah. She’s a Brussels Griffin/Shih Tzu Mix (Shiffon) and completely CRAZY. She is our lab Loo’s shadow and hyper as can be. Also very tough to get a picture of or with. Here’s my best attempt.
Loo watches her like a hawk and has a slight “sibling rivalry.”
Then we watched the UT vs. Texas A&M game – my s-i-l went there and she and my brother are HUGE fans so lots of cheering and yelling ensued.
I’m not sure what the next two days hold for us. We’ll be shopping, eating out and hitting the town one of these nights. I’ll be posting again soon – have a fantastic Friday!
What are your plans for the weekend? Are you off or did you go Black Friday shopping today? After working retail for years and interviewing shoppers at 4 a.m. I will probably never participate!
Make way for ducklings! (And turkeys)
November 25th, 2009 § 2 Comments
Hi all!! Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! Can you believe the holiday season is upon us? What fun do you have planned for tomorrow – any other big travelers out there like me? Maybe we’ll spot each other in an airport!
I can’t believe my Turkey Trot is tomorrow. Today the nerves started to hit me a little bit. Just check out the start line from last year:
Eek! Say a runner’s prayer! I am a bit intimidated, especially since I am running this one solo.
My first race the goal was to finish sub-40 minutes (which we did!) This time around, my goal is to just run as much as possible. I’m not going for speed or time, just to prove to myself that I can, in fact, run five miles. The weather is supposed to cooperate – we shall see! Last night, I packed all of my gear, including race day:
I am representing two things very dear to my heart: Pittsburgh and Livestrong. Livestrong means a lot to me because I lost an aunt and a grandfather to cancer. I also have several relatives and friends who have or are battling the disease now. Tomorrow, my run will be with them in mind. Someday I would love to run a race for the cause and raise money – this is just the “leg work” to get there. I also packed some pre- and post- race fuel like shot bloks, sport beans, and a Marathon Bar.
And speaking of packing..
Meet my newest travel buddy! This is the investment piece I wrote about the other day. Normally I am not a fan of anything that plasters a brand name all over it, but this bag is just the right size and the D&B specialist at Macy’s just happened to be working and just happened to give me a discount. What can I say, I am a sucker for deals!
Love that lil guy!
Then, the packing fairy entered my room and made this..
Disappear into this!
In 25 years, this was my best packing job – and I’ve done some traveling people!
Ooh and I am sure you’re all wondering about the contest from yesterday!! You guys sent me some amazing songs – a lot of stuff I already have (we have great taste in music!) but a lot to add as well!!
It was reeaaaaallly close, but the winner is….
Katie from Faith, Food & Fitness!! Email me your address and I’ll get your prize to you next week!
I added some of the songs you suggested (and yes, I listened to every last one!) Thanks guys! Look for lots more contests in the future!!
Posting will resume tomorrow, post-race. In the meantime, I’ll be Tweeting from the airport – follow me and I will follow you back!
Happy Turkey Day y’all – safe travels!!!
Pet Peeves and Music Contest
November 24th, 2009 § 12 Comments
Good morning friends! I see a lot of new readers to the site – welcome! Please don’t be shy to comment or email me! I’m sure today is like a Thursday or Friday to you with the holiday or maybe you’re already off – Happy Day! Today is like Thursday to me with just a few hours of work standing between me and my airplane!
Last night I went to see ‘Precious.’ Have you seen the trailer for it? I’m sure you have. I was expecting to spend most of the movie sobbing (I am highly emotional) but I only cried a few times. It is powerful. It is violent – not for those sensitive to abuse and cursing – but so raw and real. The acting was phenomenal. I know a lot of people refuse to have anything to do with Mariah Carey, but she completely encompassed her character. She was probably only in about 10 minutes of the film. The real stars were Gabourney Sidibe, who plays the title role, and Mo’Nique, who plays her severely abusive mother.
I don’t want to give anything away – but it was very shocking and moving. The whole theater litterally gasped in unison several times. Just go see it.
Edit to add: I just looked at the cast and Lenny Kravtiz is in this, too. Honestly didn’t even notice because I was so wrapped up in the story.
The movie was pretty packed and a bit noisy during the previews. I figured what with all of the “Please Silence Your Cell Phones” PSAs and reminders to be quiet, soon the theater would be just that.
Throughout the entire movie a trio of teenage girls behind us completely ticked me off. Their cell phones were vibrating, they were opening them up causing a glare, they were bickering with each other, rummaging through stuff. And it seemed to be at its peak during some of the most pivotal dialogue exchanges. Buzzzzzzzz Buzzzzzzz Buzzzzzzzz I wanted to turn around and say, “Can’t you put that on SILENT?” I may have said some other choice things under my breath, but that’s irrelevant. I know I am not the only one who gets annoyed with this. But I also know that there are many, many people who contribute to this pet peeve of mine. I love technology just as much as the other guy – probably more – but can we just escape cell phones for 120 minutes??? It baffles me people pay money for an experience only to take away from it to answer text messages. My ex-boyfriend once answered his cell phone during a movie. Trust me, you don’t want to be the recipient of the look I gave him.
Not quite like this, but I think this picture is hilarious. Photo Credit
OK, stepping off the soap box now!
Now, as well as one more day of work standing between me and my trip, a bigger task awaits – packing! I am being forced told that I must take two carry-on bags rather than check one by my father aka the travel master. This presents a space issue, which I am going to have to tackle tonight. I have gotten better with packing, but it still presents a challenge for a somewhat high maintenance girl.
One thing that will get extra special attention is my fuel and gear for my race! I can’t believe it’s only two days away. Strangely I’m not nervous like I was for the first. I’m pretty much prepped for that – although I debated on what to wear and made two trips to Dick’s looking through every. single. rack. Hopefully the temperature change doesn’t affect me too much.
Something I do need help on is some new tunes to add to my play list! This is where you come in! I am holding a contest – for today only – to add three to five great new songs to my running playlist. Leave a comment with the ones that get you going and the best entry will win an iTunes gift card and a little mail from yours truly! Contest ends at 9 p.m. EST tonight! Right now, I have a lot of rap, r&b, some country and two gospel songs – they are my power ballads!! I am up for anything that has a great beat and gets you moving. Old, new, whatever!!
I’ll announce the winners in my post tomorrow!
Another one down
November 23rd, 2009 § 7 Comments
Hello friends!
Sorry you haven’t heard from me in a few – I have been exceptionally busy with a little thing we call work! Basically, I am getting in all my time before I head down south on holiday!
Another weekend has come and gone – care to recap what a 25-year-old’s looks like?
As I said in my last post, Christmas season officially began Friday! I attended my first Light Up Night. Boy was it ever an event!
That entire bridge was packed! And if you turned around, the opposite side of the street was just as crowded. It was nuts. (I loved it!)
We took a walk across the bridge to scout our food vendors. All I wanted was a gyro, but the tent was hidden with tiny signs we didn’t see at first, so I settled for a cheese steak.
Having spent a considerable amount of time in Philly, I now consider myself spoiled. No cheese steak even comes close to the original(s). When I asked the guy at the tent for cheese whiz, he looked at me like I just asked for tofu. I had to settle for provolone. 
We walked around a bit then headed into Olive or Twist for a few beverages.
And, of course, proceeded to be silly fools
Then it was off to watch some sparkles in the sky!
We went out for a bit afterwards to a sports bar in the middle of the Stadium Loop. I would be lying if I said there was no dancing. Those who have never had the pleasure of going out with me surely would be in for a treat – I will dance anywhere, with anyone – no alcohol necessary! No, I am not one of those, “I don’t dance” people. I definitely get as much out of it as a workout. Apparently, this time around I even had a little audience watching me – I was too busy having fun making my friends laugh! I have a dance for every song
Saturday brought a full day of work followed by an evening spent catching up on Grey’s Anatomy and watching a Behind the Music documentary on Pink. I went to her concert last month and I think she is an amazing performer and a gifted musician. She sure has been through a lot and I admire her umm, general “I don’t give a f*&# attitude.” She says what’s on her mind!
Saturday I also made an investment piece purchase by buying a very nice carry-on bag for my future flights to Texas. More of that later this week!
Today, I once again – everybody! – “worked!” Tonight, we made family dinner, which is a slowly building tradition in our house where we cook dinner and invite over friends to share a meal and just connect. It’s a good way to start the week. Tonight we had delicious salad with tomatoes, avacado and my roommates specialty dressing followed by mashed taters and steak glazed with brown sugar – oh man was it good – and I am not a big meat eater!
We talked about our Christmas decorating ideas over dinner. We are going to go cut down our own tree when I get back – I cannot wait! We always had fake ones growing up so this should be an adventure!
Off to finish prepping to “start” my week even though I’ve worked five straight days.
How was your weekend? Do you mix up fun and relaxation too?
And we’re off!
November 20th, 2009 § 3 Comments
So I am sure many of you have already began celebrating the holiday season – putting up decorations, listening to Christmas music, checking off your shopping list (HOW do you do it, people? Maniacs I tell ya.)
Although I have been surrounded by Christmas decorations on a daily basis at work since, oh before Halloween, I am well aware of the time of year. Growing up, we never decorated until after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, but the rest of America just can’t seem to wait that long.
Do you find yourself griping about this like I do? “Oh I can’t believe they are putting up decorations already. Heaven’s sake I can’t believe it’s Christmas time!” I am so turning into the little old ladies I used to look at with puzzlement.
On my day off, all I wanted to do was buy garland and lights and silly little knick knacks and straight up Christmas my house. Normally, Chase would have been my friend to help with me with that. Now, we all know better.
So in the spirit of not rushing things, I am going to get the holiday season started just a week earlier than normal by attending Light Up Night in Pittsburgh.
Now for those who have never been here, this city is beautiful. Seriously. It’s not just because I am bias.
And when it comes to the holiday season, we do some pretty sweet decorating.
And we always have the coolest fireworks. For realz.
After giving this City five years of my life, I have never been to Light Up Night! (I think I was always either working or home on break – go figure.) I am very excited!! Pics to come this weekend!
How do you celebrate the holidays? Are you one of the people who has their tree up Nov. 1 or do you wait until December?
Name that tune
November 18th, 2009 § 7 Comments
Hi guys! Short post – glad to get feedback on my debt video! I think I must have had too much time on my hands (I was off yesterday) and I spent waaay too much time thinking about it because I had a horrible dream about money!! It involved me shopping, using my debit card to buy gorgeous clothes and scarves, all the while knowing I was overdrafting my account! Ahh!
Speaking of dreams, I am obsessed, seriously obsessed with all of those dream books, dictionaries, etc. I don’t care how accurate they are! It just amazes me some of the things my mind thinks up while I sleep.
Another weird thing that happens every morning when I wake up is that I have a different song in my head. Sometimes, it’s one I have been repeating on my iPod, and other days it is just straight up random.
Like today when the theme song for the 90s show “Hey Dude!”
Remember that? You probably hadn’t thought about it in a long time. Which is why I was totally like, “Whaaaaat?” when that was the song my brain had chosen.
Maybe my psyche is anticipating the trip to Texas next week?
Because for about two hours straight I surely was not listening to country, but rather this:
Ah-MAZE-ing! This man’s music has taken from some pretty developmental times in college through post-college crazy life (loved listening to him to unwind on the train rides home) and back to the Burgh. Although I do not appreciate the crap he put my girl Jen Aniston through (allegedly) I do appreciate lighting some candles and just mellowing out.
What are some of your favorite kinds of music? I love mellow stuff but also rap and r&b for runs/motivation, country (country girl by heart, city girl by dream), 80s music for singing in the car and dancing at the bar and classical for when I am writing and studying (well when I was in school).
I am always open to suggestions – especially good stuff for running! Fast beats = good moves. Please comment or email me!
Happy Hump Day!!
The beginning of the end
November 17th, 2009 § 11 Comments
A few weeks ago, I told you about my addictive personality. It was at this time I began an experiment with my finances. I told myself if I could go two weeks without using my best friend Chase Visa, I could make a bigger commitment to myself to get out of debt. Fourteen days came and went without using and it my body did not spontaneously combust like I imagined it would without the security of falling back on the card.
It was also at this time that I experimented with the cash vs. debit card debate my mind struggles with every day. I am adamant in my habit of never having cash unless A) I am going out (not a good idea to use the card for rounds at the bar -lesson learned the hard way) or B) I am going somewhere that takes dough only (which is another issue I get, um, passionate about. One too many times I have told a business/restaurant/etc. “It’s 2009. Who doesn’t take cards!” Only it’s not said so nicely.)
So when I accidentally had some cash on me, I wanted to see how long I could hold on to it.
I actually didn’t want to use it. Instead, I preferred to stare at it, in my wallet, like some kind of daily reward for being smart about my finances. I treated those bills like gold, people. I avoided impulse purchases and used it for necessary things that were well-thought out. It’s so easy to just swipe, swipe, swipe and I can definitely purchase without thinking twice.
So last week, I did something big.
I know you’re probably wondering, “Why didn’t she just cut it up? Or take it out of her wallet and just not use it?”
I don’t want to get rid of the card completely. Closing accounts is not good for credit and some day I will have a much lower balance and want to use the card again. I realize it may not work after living in my freezer for months, and that’s OK. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I’m not taking it out or hiding it because I know that simply will not work. I have self-restraint, but not that much.
Plus, it’s a visual reminder. Every day when I get out ice for my Green Monsters or make pb&j waffles before my runs, it will be there. Staring me in the face. Like I said, I need a little reward staring me in the face every day.
And, if there should occur an occasion where I need it in an emergency, I have a back up plan. People went years without credit cards and some still do today. Plus, an overwhelming percentage of people in my age bracket have $10,000 or more in credit card debt. That’s one statistic I don’t want to be a part of.
What about you? Are you struggling with debt or another pricey addiction? What did you do to overcome it once and for all?
Hue are you?
November 15th, 2009 § 3 Comments
A few weeks ago, Ellen at Fired ‘N’ Fabulous posted an interesting “experiment” about our tendency to gravitate toward celebrities having the same hair color as you. I totally agreed, thinking of my favs – Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, UMMM….CARRIE BRADSHAW aka SJP – sorry sometimes I think that character is real.
P.S. She is on this month’s cover, too. Just came out..go get it!
I was born a blond and through the years, I’ve played a lot with the color. I got my first highlights when I was in eighth grade – they were cap highlights, do you guys remember those? Pulling the itty strands through that awful bonnet with the tweezer-like gadget? Ouch! I stayed pretty blond through high school and began experimenting in college. I had the longer, honey blond:
Then as it got longer, I started adding in dark underneath. Sometimes it was dark brown, or a reddish, at one point it was pretty close to black.
I even got some extensions (clip-in ones – real hair) and would wear them when my hair was at an in-between length.
Man, I loved those extensions. Maybe a little too much? haha
When I moved to Philly, I got my hair done at a really expensive salon (as in, I am ashamed to ever tell anyone how much I spent there) right in Center City. The man who did my hair made me a bit uncomfortable (don’t you hate that?) and said to me, “Oh you’re smart, keeping your hair long. The weight helps pull down on the curl to make straightening easier.”
A month later, I did some research, found an adorable place in South Philly and said, “Chop it – Victoria Beckham style.” I cut a good foot-and-then-some off and it hasn’t passed my shoulders since.
I’ve continued to experiment with different cuts and shades since then. Most recently, I got tired of the whole straightening bit and just let it go au naturel curly as you have seen in many pictures.
Yesterday, I decided it was time for a change.
Quite a change, eh?
Blond no more! I am officially a brunette. And although I can’t quite say that comfortably yet, I’m working on it.
Do I think my celebrity preferences will change? Tough to say. I guess it’s time to live out Ellen’s hypothesis and see if I change my mind!
What do you think? Does hair color play a role in preference?
I’m it!
November 13th, 2009 § 2 Comments
Hello friends! I know I promised a video, but it’s slowly uploading. In the meantime, I’ve been tagged with one of these “awards” that circulates the blogosphere by the lovely Anna at The Way I See It.
The rules of the Honest Scrap Award are: divulge 10 honest things about yourself. Then pass the award on to 7 bloggers who you believe will be 100% truthful!
I have done something like this before so I took a little time to think of some new (more interesting?) things.
1.) I believe that this country would be much healthier, happier and productive if we mandated a two-hour siesta in the middle of the afternoon. Close all businesses from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Let people eat, rest, get things accomplished. The Europeans have it right with their relaxed attitude – and probably less crowded hospitals.
2.) Speaking of this country, while it is beautiful and diverse and vast, sometimes I wish it was smaller – as in crunched together. I have so many friends and family that are so spread out and the distance just seems to grow. If we were all in a tighter vicinity, I could just hop on a high speed rail (a la Europe) and go see them.
3.) I have never been to Europe, but maybe I should go?
4.) I try very hard to be a good Christian, but I judge, people. Many times like a book by its cover. I’m working on this. I promise.
5.) Since post high-school, I have had several moments where I have realized how different I am than in those days. It’s like an out of body experience. Sometimes it’s a good realization, others not so much. On a whole, though, I like myself better now.
6.) The business world often times frustrates me and confuses me. I don’t get hard-ball strategies and scare tactics. Can’t we all just be nice to one another?
7.) Two things you can easily do to me: scare me – as in I will yelp and jump a mile – and make me believe the most ridiculous stuff. I am super gullible. I eventually figure it out (or you laugh so much I figure it out).
8.) I went to school for journalism. I can’t remember the last time I picked up a newspaper or watched the evening news. There I said it.*disclaimer, I rarely am home or awake to watch the news – blame the j-o-b people*
9.) When I was little, my Dad owned a gas station. I loved the smell of gasoline so much I said I wanted to get married at a gas station and have Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and hot dogs at my reception. What can I say, I was all class.
10.) My secret celebrity indulgence would be getting my hair and make up done every day. I have a sick addiction to beauty products and am slightly high maintenance, meaning I have an entire carry-on size bag with makeup and toiletries when I travel.
OK, tag you’re IT!
Ellen at Fired N Fabulous
Kris at I Heart Wellness
Katy at These Beautiful Feet
Jessica at How Sweet It Is
Stephanie at Rexy Thoughts
Kelly at Kelly Tarleton Photography & Design
PS in clicking around while writing for this, I accidentally aborted my video – oops! I will post tonight! Happy Friday y’all!
Holy Flip!
November 12th, 2009 § 2 Comments
So we all know my birthday was hmm..approximately two months ago. It’s what started this 25th year adventure!
My darling brother has always had a tendency of being really late (he gets it from my Mum’s side). This means I usually get my gifts from him in October or November, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lat year he got me an iPod nano, which as well all know, is a staple in the year 2009. It’s also completely 100 percent necessary for me on my runs and in races – side note: two weeks exactly until the Turkey Trot ahh!!
This year, he totally outdid himself and bought me this little cutie:
We had had a conversation a few months ago about blogging and writing and getting back to my passions and he had mentioned that a lot of bloggers use these because, well, they’re soo tiny and convenient. Duh.
I was secretly hoping I’d get one for my birthday or Christmas and I literally yelped when I opened it!!
Thank you so much to my brother, the inspiration for starting this blog!
p.s. we need new pics over the holidays – this is 2.5 years old!
So, you know what this means! Lots of videos are coming to The Twenty-Fifth Year!
I already have my first installment that I am going to do tomorrow. And I have a super fun weekend planned with my friends for the Pitt v. Notre Dame game Saturday! You’ll get to see how PA kids have some fun!!
Want more (and more often?) Follow me on Twitter!
Under Pressure
November 10th, 2009 § 3 Comments
Hi All! So sorry posting has been light – many things have been going on that are blog-worthy, but that other part of my life (aka work) is all-consuming right now. Short post for now – some things I have done since I last wrote:
-Visited Up N Running a premier running store about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. This was my second trip, funny story as to why, but I got a new pair of kicks with just enough time to break em in before the race!
-Enjoyed awesomely awesome weather. Stadium Loop – YES.
-Enjoyed two Starbucks Peppermint Mochas. ‘Tis the season!
-Found out said Peppermint Mochas are available year round. Whhaaatttt??
-Twittered about discovery.
-Ran around two grocery stores on opposite ends of Pittsburgh to find my cheaper version of PM aka Liquid Crack. Proceeded to buy four bottles. No joke.
And finally -
I smiled, probably a few times.
Be back soon, I promise!!
Do Good!
November 6th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Happy Friday! Not too much of a post today – but something very exciting!!
Remember when I posted the Operation Beautiful note at my dentist’s office? I sent it in to Caitlin, the editor of the site, and today it makes it’s Internet debut! Please go check it out and follow suit! All it takes is a post it and a pen. It’s a beautiful movement and you’ll feel great doing it – I promise!!
Security shenanigans
November 5th, 2009 § 1 Comment
Have you ever seen one of these bad boys?
There’s a good chance you haven’t (unless you’ve been to my house). I had never seen one until I moved back, and although sometimes we catch some slack about putting them on all of our outdoor entrances, it certainly helps us feel safe in a block-by-block neighborhood.
This morning we went out our front door on the main level to go to breakfast at the cutest. place. ever. When we came back a few hours later, we came through our garage – the other entrance to our house on the basement level. Inside the door from the one-stall garage is our laundry room which leads to another door that leads into the main part of the house. Some nights we put one of these door stoppers there, some nights we don’t. Apparently last night, I felt the need to after finishing a load of laundry. I have no memory of this, but I am not the clearest thinker before I go to bed. I didn’t notice this morning either, and going out the front door, I figured one of us had our keys.
Fast forward a few hours and we make the discovery. We are pushing on the door from garage to house and notta. Great time to discover these things really work, I thought. After a failed attempt to get in the windows on the front side of the house, who happens to bike on by? A police officer. “Well that doesn’t look suspicious at all!!” he said. Did you know in this great City of Steel that police officers can’t break into your house if it’s not an emergency? Well, now you know.
As I run back around the side of the house, I hear him say we’re going to need to call a locksmith. Oh heck no.
I don’t have the time to wait around nor the bills to be droppin’ on someone to come break me into my own house. I attempt to throw myself at this door once more and again nothing. Then I start pounding right above the door knob. I get some movement – enough for about two inches of space. Pound, pound, pound, POUND, POUND! I can see the stopper! All I have to do now is find a way to push that sucker over so the door opens. I tried using cardboard. Nope. Then I scrounged the laundry room closet and found a MOP! It was like gold, people.
I stuck that mop through the crack and within two jabs it was bent from the pressure of the door. I flipped it around so it angled toward the stopper and BAM! WE HAVE VICTORY!! The pole dropped and I tore up the steps like Rocky to the front door jumping and screaming, “I got it!!!” and the cop was like, “How did you do that?!”
My mind, dear sir. And my precious baby bank account.
And why, I ask, do I not have my own reality show??
