In DC for a conference. Really excited about the conference - looks like it's going to be some great information! Not so excited about being away from my family...it's only a few days but I'll miss them. I left early this morning too so I didn't get to say goodbye. Not like I would have liked.
They did call me while I was at the airport once they all woke up but it's not the same as a sweet little hug and kiss. M told me it wasn't fair that I got to get on a plane and she didn't and she was very concerned about how I would get on the plane, since it was still dark outside. Once we boarded I took a picture of myself on the plane to send her. It was a little embarrassing, smiling like a dork and taking a picture of myself but I thought she would think it was cool. I also took a picture down the aisle of the cabin so she could see what the inside looked like. Also embarrassing. It's a good thing I don't have any pride.
Not super pumped about the location either. Don't get me wrong, I love DC, it's an amazing place. But I've been here for several other conferences and spent a summer doing an internship here...so there isn't a lot that's been unexplored. And I don't know many people attending and of those that I do know, most are heavily involved and won't have a lot of time to socialize.
I brought some work with me, thought this would be some perfect catch up time. But no wifi in the hotel rooms. Really, no wifi? That stinks! I can access it from the lobby but I don't think I'll be dragging myself out to the lobby for that...pretty sure none of these nice folks cares to see me all trashed out in my comfy clothes...
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Some Advice
When your wife comes out modeling a new dress it may not be wise to tell her that it looks like she better not gain an ounce. This may elicit a violent reaction where she feels uncontrollably compelled to smack you upside the head.
Or she may run 1 mile at a pace of 3.7 with a half mile cool down.
It's up to you to decide if you want to chance it...
Or she may run 1 mile at a pace of 3.7 with a half mile cool down.
It's up to you to decide if you want to chance it...
List Bliss
A former boyfriend, who hadn't seen me in several months, once enthusiastically exclaimed "I like how fat you've gotten!" I swear, that is exactly what came out of his mouth.
And he was being completely genuine - he really did think I looked good. I guess he was what they call a chubby chaser, although I'm not sure that label fits considering the girls he cheated with were not chubby.
Either way - it was an experience that taught me that there is someone to appreciate every body type. And I appreciate mine...here's why I think it's good to be a chubby chick:
1. No one is shocked when you eat a piece of cake. And have ice cream.
2. You don't have to pretend like you don't eat on a first date.
3. You're easy to buy gifts for - people bring you food.
4. Protruding bones hurt.
5. You never have to worry about someone using you for your looks.
6. You get invited out a lot because your beautiful friends don't consider you competition.
7. It's nice to snuggle with a squishy person.
8. There really isn't any guilt in missing workouts - no one expected you to stay with it anyway.
9. No one at your class reunion will whisper in shock "Man, she's gotten fat!"
10. You can go to the beach and let it all hang out because you know that the only bodies getting scrutinized are the good ones.
11. You had to develop personality and skills because you couldn't rely on being "a pretty face".
12. There are certain activities where having hips comes in handy.
And he was being completely genuine - he really did think I looked good. I guess he was what they call a chubby chaser, although I'm not sure that label fits considering the girls he cheated with were not chubby.
Either way - it was an experience that taught me that there is someone to appreciate every body type. And I appreciate mine...here's why I think it's good to be a chubby chick:
1. No one is shocked when you eat a piece of cake. And have ice cream.
2. You don't have to pretend like you don't eat on a first date.
3. You're easy to buy gifts for - people bring you food.
4. Protruding bones hurt.
5. You never have to worry about someone using you for your looks.
6. You get invited out a lot because your beautiful friends don't consider you competition.
7. It's nice to snuggle with a squishy person.
8. There really isn't any guilt in missing workouts - no one expected you to stay with it anyway.
9. No one at your class reunion will whisper in shock "Man, she's gotten fat!"
10. You can go to the beach and let it all hang out because you know that the only bodies getting scrutinized are the good ones.
11. You had to develop personality and skills because you couldn't rely on being "a pretty face".
12. There are certain activities where having hips comes in handy.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Little Hen
I need to add something to my annoying list...actually, I need to add a few things. Several times I've done something and thought - oh, that's annoying, it should have made the list. Annoying Things About Me Part II coming soon. Stick around long enough and you'll probably get to see Part III too. I do love a good trilogy...
But I digress (see, another one for the list) ...I know I acknowledged that I can be loud, which is true. And annoying. But man, something that's even more annoying is that as loud as I am, my laugh is even louder. Like, disturbingly loud.
Today I was meeting with one of my favorite people and best friends - we were taking care of some business. And while we were enjoying each other's company, it wasn't like we were having a party. There was nothing beyond a normal level of noise. Except something was said that made me laugh and I swear, the windows shook a little.
I don't know...I have no volume control.
And honestly, unless you're Julia Roberts, there is nothing attractive about a laugh like that...she can pull it off but the rest of us just sound like...a cackling hen.
On the plus side, this is the second time I have seen a dear friend AND been gifted with popcorn! This makes me very, very happy. And a bit spoiled. I'm not as obsessed as I sound, really. There are lots of other things I like too -anything sweet, sugary or chocolate. I'm not hard to please. Popcorn or anything else - I just feel special to be thought of, in any way. My friends are awesome.
And for anyone that cares - I have NOT been avoiding the workouts. Not completely. I just hate saying the same thing in every post. How interesting is it to know I do the same exact workout every other day or that I almost died on the treadmill because my body can't keep up with what I think I can do in my mind?
I ran last night - one straight mile. No treadmill track. My pace was slower (3.5) but I was consistent with my speed throughout the run- with the exception of two 5 second breaks when I decreased the speed to 3.0. I think I probably get better cardio with the track but I want to try to run a 5K in November so I'm trying to get ready for that and I thought this would be better then the stairstep effect...I have no idea if that's true but I'm going with it. So I was slow but my plan is to gradually increase my speed and my distance.
We'll see... either way, I'm running in November. I was out of shape last time and I got through it. I knew it was going to be bad when I showed up and realized I was the fattest one there. That's never a good thing. And I only had a few hours sleep. It was not pretty.
I'm sure I'll still be out of shape in November but I'm going to make sure I actually go to bed this time. So no matter what, I'll be in a better position than I was last time, right?
I'm off to get in some strength training before bed. I've got to keep with it because the shoes I like to wear require that I be a tad bit lighter than I am. I swear, I could hear the stilettos I wore today cry out a little with each step...
But I digress (see, another one for the list) ...I know I acknowledged that I can be loud, which is true. And annoying. But man, something that's even more annoying is that as loud as I am, my laugh is even louder. Like, disturbingly loud.
Today I was meeting with one of my favorite people and best friends - we were taking care of some business. And while we were enjoying each other's company, it wasn't like we were having a party. There was nothing beyond a normal level of noise. Except something was said that made me laugh and I swear, the windows shook a little.
I don't know...I have no volume control.
And honestly, unless you're Julia Roberts, there is nothing attractive about a laugh like that...she can pull it off but the rest of us just sound like...a cackling hen.
On the plus side, this is the second time I have seen a dear friend AND been gifted with popcorn! This makes me very, very happy. And a bit spoiled. I'm not as obsessed as I sound, really. There are lots of other things I like too -anything sweet, sugary or chocolate. I'm not hard to please. Popcorn or anything else - I just feel special to be thought of, in any way. My friends are awesome.
And for anyone that cares - I have NOT been avoiding the workouts. Not completely. I just hate saying the same thing in every post. How interesting is it to know I do the same exact workout every other day or that I almost died on the treadmill because my body can't keep up with what I think I can do in my mind?
I ran last night - one straight mile. No treadmill track. My pace was slower (3.5) but I was consistent with my speed throughout the run- with the exception of two 5 second breaks when I decreased the speed to 3.0. I think I probably get better cardio with the track but I want to try to run a 5K in November so I'm trying to get ready for that and I thought this would be better then the stairstep effect...I have no idea if that's true but I'm going with it. So I was slow but my plan is to gradually increase my speed and my distance.
We'll see... either way, I'm running in November. I was out of shape last time and I got through it. I knew it was going to be bad when I showed up and realized I was the fattest one there. That's never a good thing. And I only had a few hours sleep. It was not pretty.
I'm sure I'll still be out of shape in November but I'm going to make sure I actually go to bed this time. So no matter what, I'll be in a better position than I was last time, right?
I'm off to get in some strength training before bed. I've got to keep with it because the shoes I like to wear require that I be a tad bit lighter than I am. I swear, I could hear the stilettos I wore today cry out a little with each step...
 |
| That heel is a lot skinnier than it looks! |
Monday, September 19, 2011
Happy Anniversary To Me!
Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of our program. Twelve short months ago we opened the doors for business and we've been busy growing ever since.
In many ways it's difficult to believe it's been a year - it still feels "new" to me. And we still have a long way to go - there are areas that still need refining, developing, and improvement. We're on a five year track to be the very best program in our state. And that's gonna be tough because there are some great programs out there - programs that currently serve as my model. I feel honored to be among these programs and the individuals who have created and developed them. These are people who have a true passion and love for what they do - and it's apparent in their success.
In some ways it feels like we've been operating for much longer than a year. I've grown and learned so much - it's been a challenging but rewarding experience. I've had moments of disappointment, discouragement, and frustration. Moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely inept. But they were just moments and are not the sum total of my experience...and they were moments that I knew to expect. That's the great thing about being surrounded by people that care about you - they help to prepare and guide you, help to confirm that everything you feel is normal, help to assure you that you move past the fear and anxiety.
I remember the very first day, meeting with my one full-time staff person (yes, only one. The ridiculousness of that is not lost on me) who had never worked in the programs before. I told her that the first year would be a little difficult but that if she could stick with me for a year that I would get us through. And she's been great. She's really got a heart for the job - she's passionate and caring and patient. And she's stuck around while I try to figure out what works and what doesn't...and that is saying a lot!
So tomorrow marks a milestone in my professional career and I'm glad to have it down. Like most things in life, the most difficult part is the very beginning...So bring on year two, let's see what I can do!
In many ways it's difficult to believe it's been a year - it still feels "new" to me. And we still have a long way to go - there are areas that still need refining, developing, and improvement. We're on a five year track to be the very best program in our state. And that's gonna be tough because there are some great programs out there - programs that currently serve as my model. I feel honored to be among these programs and the individuals who have created and developed them. These are people who have a true passion and love for what they do - and it's apparent in their success.
In some ways it feels like we've been operating for much longer than a year. I've grown and learned so much - it's been a challenging but rewarding experience. I've had moments of disappointment, discouragement, and frustration. Moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely inept. But they were just moments and are not the sum total of my experience...and they were moments that I knew to expect. That's the great thing about being surrounded by people that care about you - they help to prepare and guide you, help to confirm that everything you feel is normal, help to assure you that you move past the fear and anxiety.
I remember the very first day, meeting with my one full-time staff person (yes, only one. The ridiculousness of that is not lost on me) who had never worked in the programs before. I told her that the first year would be a little difficult but that if she could stick with me for a year that I would get us through. And she's been great. She's really got a heart for the job - she's passionate and caring and patient. And she's stuck around while I try to figure out what works and what doesn't...and that is saying a lot!
So tomorrow marks a milestone in my professional career and I'm glad to have it down. Like most things in life, the most difficult part is the very beginning...So bring on year two, let's see what I can do!
Fair Game
I have a confession - I love the state fair. I'm not into the rides, the silly little games, or really even the food. Although I am oddly intrigued by fried bacon cheddar mashed potatoes on a stick...
I love the fair for two reasons: people watching and getting to spend time with one of my dearest friends. It's become an annual event with us - to walk, talk and stare. The first year we walked around for about 10 hours - which was pretty impressive since I was very, very pregnant. But when you're with a great friend having a good conversation it's easy to lose track of time...
I didn't think we were gonna get to go this year and I was a little bummed that we couldn't keep our tradition...so when I found out it was going to work out we put the zoo on hold and opted for the fair instead. It was just as fun for the girls and probably a little more entertaining for me. Actually, a lot more entertaining - such a large variety of "interesting" people. Here are some thoughts I had while people watching, or more honestly, people judging:
1. There should be body measurement requirements for women wanting to get a playboy bunny tattoo. On some bodies it's just a cruel contradiction.
2. I know ripped jeans are very trendy right now but that doesn't mean taking a pair of jeans that are two sizes too small and slicing them down the front so that you can squeeze your thighs into them is acceptable. You are not fooling anyone.
3. If your belly hangs down or out - wear a shirt large enough to cover it. Please.
4. Don't try to pull off short shorts with cowboy boots unless you've got an almost perfect body. It's a super hot look but most of us can't pull it off - it just draws attention to any and every flaw. Do feel free to try that look at home for your special someone - he'll be so happy to see his wild cowgirl that he won't notice the flaws. And don't forget to wear your hat.
5. No adult should wear crocs. Ever.
And the winner of the Tackiest Shirt Award goes to the guy who proudly declared across the back of his t-shirt "You've Never Met A Mother Fucker Quite Like Me". And he's right, thankfully I haven't. His wife and two kids are not so fortunate.
Honorable Mention goes to the women whose shirt featured the tootsie pop owl with "Wanna Lick It?" across the front. I'm thinking if you have to wear a shirt to ask then the wise answer would be no.
And that folks is why I love the fair...
I love the fair for two reasons: people watching and getting to spend time with one of my dearest friends. It's become an annual event with us - to walk, talk and stare. The first year we walked around for about 10 hours - which was pretty impressive since I was very, very pregnant. But when you're with a great friend having a good conversation it's easy to lose track of time...
I didn't think we were gonna get to go this year and I was a little bummed that we couldn't keep our tradition...so when I found out it was going to work out we put the zoo on hold and opted for the fair instead. It was just as fun for the girls and probably a little more entertaining for me. Actually, a lot more entertaining - such a large variety of "interesting" people. Here are some thoughts I had while people watching, or more honestly, people judging:
1. There should be body measurement requirements for women wanting to get a playboy bunny tattoo. On some bodies it's just a cruel contradiction.
2. I know ripped jeans are very trendy right now but that doesn't mean taking a pair of jeans that are two sizes too small and slicing them down the front so that you can squeeze your thighs into them is acceptable. You are not fooling anyone.
3. If your belly hangs down or out - wear a shirt large enough to cover it. Please.
4. Don't try to pull off short shorts with cowboy boots unless you've got an almost perfect body. It's a super hot look but most of us can't pull it off - it just draws attention to any and every flaw. Do feel free to try that look at home for your special someone - he'll be so happy to see his wild cowgirl that he won't notice the flaws. And don't forget to wear your hat.
5. No adult should wear crocs. Ever.
And the winner of the Tackiest Shirt Award goes to the guy who proudly declared across the back of his t-shirt "You've Never Met A Mother Fucker Quite Like Me". And he's right, thankfully I haven't. His wife and two kids are not so fortunate.
Honorable Mention goes to the women whose shirt featured the tootsie pop owl with "Wanna Lick It?" across the front. I'm thinking if you have to wear a shirt to ask then the wise answer would be no.
And that folks is why I love the fair...
Friday, September 16, 2011
List Bliss
It's Friday, which makes me very, very happy. Know what else makes me happy? You got it - a list! Here are some other things that make me happy...
1. People who make me laugh
2. Popcorn
3. Actually having an umbrella when it rains
4. Fall
5. The way M2 scrunches up her nose when she smiles
6. Pretty undergarments
7. Sooner football
8. The smell of new books
9. Clean sheets
10. Good ol trash talkin
11. Late night swims with my hubby
12. High heels
13. Having such an awesome family
14. Mexican food
15. Having the door held open for me
16. Dancing
17. When M tells me I'm her favorite Mommy - yeah, okay, she's only got one but it still makes me happy
18. Sleeping in
19. Feeling like what I do can make a difference
20. Opening all the windows in the house, turning on the radio and cleaning the house
21. Eating dinner at the table as a family
22. Real, old fashioned notes
1. People who make me laugh
2. Popcorn
3. Actually having an umbrella when it rains
4. Fall
5. The way M2 scrunches up her nose when she smiles
6. Pretty undergarments
7. Sooner football
8. The smell of new books
9. Clean sheets
10. Good ol trash talkin
11. Late night swims with my hubby
12. High heels
13. Having such an awesome family
14. Mexican food
15. Having the door held open for me
16. Dancing
17. When M tells me I'm her favorite Mommy - yeah, okay, she's only got one but it still makes me happy
18. Sleeping in
19. Feeling like what I do can make a difference
20. Opening all the windows in the house, turning on the radio and cleaning the house
21. Eating dinner at the table as a family
22. Real, old fashioned notes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)