Dog Gone It...technology

Stinking...no good technology. They don't make anything easy, do they?

I get a new TV...but it doesn't work until I get the new cords and the new box and the new this and the new that. Ok, so I get that done, only to learn that I have to get a different box. I send my kind, dear ole' dad out to get the new box and it turns into Verizon hell.

That is taken care of but now I have to use 3 remotes any time I want to watch the TV. Geez.

I get a nice new blue ray player from Christmas. I am excited because it supports netflix, pandora, youtube. However, they fail to tell you that in order for you to use this, you have to by a wireless adapter. But not just any adapter. Noooooo...only the Samsung adapter of course. Can you buy that in the store. Nope, must order online. Loverly. And, you can have netflix, but in order to get blue ray DVDs, you have to change your plan. Geez again

We try to buy my mother a new phone. Easy upgrade. nope. Switching numbers, rebates, no rebates, discounts, cheaper phones at Radioshack than at Sprint (how that is possible I don't know..) anwhooo, four hours later...finally, a new phone. Geez louise!

Ugh. electronics have tuckered me out today.

Where has the time gone?

So Ikea Never got posted. maily because every time I tried to write about it, I got annoyed. So that just gives you an idea about how fun that was. December has been a crazy month for me. I am sure you figured that out with the severe lack of posting.

Aside from getting my last bit of stitches out of my eye (yay for being able to see), finishing my basement, making Christmas cards, decorating, working, and attending various baby themed events for friends and family....I have been working hard on getting all the necessary paperwork in order to get the biz official by January 1.

If all goes well, as of the first of the year, Little Birdie Distinctive Papercraft will be an actual, real business! Don't worry, I haven't gone completely insane. I'll still be working full time, but I will be doing Little Birdie in my off hours. I'm currently working on getting my vendor relationships in order, getting business cards and hopefully, a website. Some How.

Hopefully you'll all spread the word...and the clients will be rushing in! Hahaha. Babysteps lesli..babysteps.

Anyway, I'm sorry the posts have been few and far between. But as you can imagine, I've been slammed. But keep your fingers crossed for me that all goes well and Little Birdie takes off..

IKEA

I have a lot of things going through my mind about IKEA> So much to write, so little time. I need to collect my thoughts a little here on this one. I think I am still in stimulus overload from this weekend.

And, if anyone out there knows, was there an advertisement for IKEA that promised gold to large groups of asian tourists? There must have been something..really. There must!

And then there was snow...

So immediately following the 61 degree day, we had rain and then snow. And remind me again why you think there is no global warming.

Yeah, Ok folks.

The Biggest Scientific Conspiracy

So I was listening to NPR this morning and there was some controversy over Global Warming.

Apparently, some e-mails were leaked recently that caused several extremest groups to question the validity of global warming.

These extremest groups used the information in the e-mails to announce that there is NO man-made global warming and that the science behind the original global warming theories is faulty and bogus. They believe that global warming is actually the most elaborate conspiracy developed by scientists all over the world.

The reporter went on to read the report that was released about how global warming is nothing but a governmental ploy to get people to spend more money on government supported green initiatives. The reporter was baffled by these groups. Hmmm. I wonder why?

After listening to this, I got out of my car and walked into work. I looked around at the sun shining, on a beautiful, 61 degree day on DECEMBER 3rd in New England !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah...and you want me to believe there is no global warming. Nice Try.

Can You Say ...Holy HealthCare Costs Batman

So...like...yeah....

I got my bill for my eye surgery yesterday.

Hmmmmm.

Where to begin. I am speechless.

And to think, I still have not yet gotten the bill for the anesthesia or the bill for the surgical center. Ha! Nice! Merry Christmas to me.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in my life who is near or far. Thinking of all of you and your families and hoping that you are able to share and give thanks with one another.

Remember to be happy and appreciate all that we have and all that is good in our lives.

Most importantly, wishing hope and thanks to all of those who are overseas and are not able to be with their families as they work to protect ours.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Football...Football...Hee Hee Hee

So, after three weeks hold up in my house, I was about ready to scream. Not a good scene people, not a good scene. On top of my ridiculousness, my father had surgery on his arm, one week after me (My poor mom). Anyone who knows my father, knows that he can sit still less than I can. And his surgery was on his right arm, so he is in a cast up to his shoulder and completely helpless too. The two of us...what a sight.

Anyway. Week three for me, and week two for him, something had to give. So, in a wonderful twist of fate, my dad and I got tickets to the Patriots game on Sunday. Hmmm...interesting....a fantastic gifting...but I could not drive and neither could he. NG. However, the thought of being able to get out of the house and actually go on an adventure was too much to pass up. So with some finnaggling..we got to the game. (Thanks Peeps)

Little did we know what we were in for...

We were kindly gifted VIP passes to the pre game event in the hall. We had entrance to the patriots museum and the reception. The reception is where we were treated with open bar from 1-4pm , lobster tails, shrimp the size of my hand, prime rib, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. On top of that I got to meet Ben Coates (previous Pat and Hall of Famer), get his autograph and a picture. Wes Welker also popped upstairs ( he is alot shorter than I thought) but that was only to get someone...so no pictures or autographs. Bummer. But still, seriously?

So then it is time for the game. (At this point it was over stimulation for dad and I ..but we hung in there). We get to our seats and I couldn't believe it. This guy gave us seats in the end zone. Section 120 row 13. Yup that's right. I could see Randy Moss's sweat on his face when he scored a touchdown! Helllllllo!

It was a great game too. We had a blast. I think we were both ready to collapse by the time we got home. Way to much overload for the two of us sicklies...but it was a blast.

Soooo...Did Ya Miss Me?

I have officially returned to the land of the living. So the recovery took a little longer than I had hoped, but I am back online and loving it!

Let me tell you, three weeks, that's right....THREE WEEKS with no TV, Driving, Reading, or using a Computer, ummmmm...or sunlight, human interactions...blah blah blah.. is not all that it is cracked up to be. I think I depleated the entire stock of book on tape from the Cranston Library.

Aggggggggggg, I did cheat every once in a while and use my phone to check facebook and some blogs...hee hee hee. But I had to people. Really, what did you expect? A few certain people (they will remain nameless) took my laptops and hid them because they new that I would cheat. Hahaahahah! Thank you Palm Pre. We can say that my little phone may have kept me sane. (Assuming that you all think I was sane to begin with)

Oh, thank Goodness the patch is gone. That was so horrible...well, maybe not as horrible as the 10 stitches in my eyeball. Yuck Yuck Yack. The stitches finally came out on Friday so I could atleast see again. My vision at the time of removal was 20/400. Ummm not so good. (in easy terms...I couldn't even really read the giant E on the top of the eye chart.) Here's to hoping that we see an improvement soon. It is a 3-4 month recovery, so I know I have to have patience...but quite frankly...I'm done.

Atleast I am back online and ready to blgo away.

Going Under The Knife...

So...just when I get back into the swing of my more frequent blog posts I have news to report. 

Tomorrow morning I am going under the knife and having eye surgery.  I wish I could say that I was having something fun like lasik..but alas, no.  I am getting surgery to correct a lovely (OK, Gross...)  lump on my eye that is a build up of scar tissue.  I got plaster in my eye in December while putting up some drywall.  I know, big surprise.  The plaster was removed by it caused inflammation and then the scar tissue.  It has progressively gotten worse and now has moved over my cornea. So, it has to be removed and then my eye has to be grafted and sutured to prevent the scar tissue from coming back.  I am soooooooooooo not excited about this.  But I know I have to have it done.  Allowing it to continue could lead to a loss in vision.  I know...you are all thinking...only Lesli.  Why me with the strange sicknesses!

Long story short.  Computers, a no no.  Driving, no no.  TV, in 1 hour spurts. Reading, No no.  For a minimum of 1 week, but most likely 2 weeks I can not use a computer.  Too much strain on the eye.  So I hate to say it, but blog posts will be on hold until at least November 16th :(   Total recovery time is 3-4 months but the Shoo will be back in full force as soon as I can.  Don't forget about me !

Julia is a Goddess!

So it is no surprise that I have a secret love affair with Julia Child. This has been going on long before the Julia/Julie movie and I have always thought that she was such a sincere, honest, and adorable women. (Because of course I knew her personally or at least you would think this based on how I talk about her ). When I was little I used to love to watch her on TV. I think it was mainly because I loved her voice, but I just thought she was funny. I'm even a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food; she started it.....

I love watching the food network, for hours on end (I know...not healthy) but I think to myself while watching, these people are good, but they don't seem to love food as much as someone like Julia Child. I think this feeling passes through into the recipes. Although Julia's cooking can be long, and intense, and sometimes utterly frustrating...the time, effort, and "love" that you have to put into her recipes, definitely shows with the end result. I am sure this is true for many a seasoned master chef and their food.

Anywhooooo..back to why Julia is a goddess.

So I recently read "My Life In France." The story of Julia Child and how her years in France helped shape who she would become as a chef and lover of food. Aside from the fact that I loved the book, felt as if she was sitting in my living room, on my couch telling me the story....the recipes she describes in the book will make your mouth water. It is ridiculous. So, now that I have finished the book, I have found myself wondering if the recipes really are as good as she makes them sound. Sooooooooo, last night, I tried one. The simplest one, and the one meal that Julia ate upon her arrival in France. Sole Meuniere.

I really don't like fish, at all. But I thought perhaps she could make a boring white fish seem good. So I dried, and I floured, and I buttered, and boiled, and browned, and warmed......and in the end, I had four perfect little sole meuniere helpings sitting on my plate.....looked jut like the picture too! I sat down, opened a bottle of French Chardonnay (her recommendation of course) and took the first bite. Holy Crap. I think it was one of the most buttery delicious things I have ever eaten. Those French ....gotta love their love of butter. And Julia...now I understand..it makes perfect sense. You are a goddess...you made me fall in love with a piece of fish.

Who wants to come over so I can make it again? Any takers?

HD... Should be HR (Highway Robbery)

For the most part, Cox Communications was the worst cable service I have ever had. They had terrible Customer Service, their prices were outrageous (even for the most basic plan) and the reception on the wireless network was horrible. Had they not wanted to charge me a ludicrous amount of money for my cable, I may not have switched. Why? No real need to. I had a 10 year old TV with no bells and whistles, and I still use Tivo, so no need for a flashy DVR. That said, the price of Cox got so high, I had to switch to Verizon, it was simply more economical.

That is until I had to buy a new TV. Urgggg.

So my 10 year old TV finally bit the big one. Booo. So I ventured out in search of an economical new TV that would suit my needs and not break the bank. I had a really hard time spending money on a TV, and still thought of it as a frivolous purchase, even though it really wasn't. It had to be done. Anywho, I get to the store and everything is HD this or HDMI that or plasma this and LCD that. You can't just go in and buy a good old fashion basic TV.

So herein lies my beef....you really don't have a choice when it comes to buying a TV. All TVs are HD, LCD, that require certain connections to really maximize the picture and quality. So you buy these TVs, and spend all this money, but they only really work well if you want to spend more money and upgrade your cable to HD> Are you serious. At least with Cox, if you have an HD TV, you can get HD channels, no issue. But you have to deal with all the rest (see above).

With Verizon, it is a no good, lousy, pile of crap racket. I have the TV, but to make it work I have to upgrade my bundle to a new bundle. Because they don't have my bundle anymore so I have to have the next closest bundle which is $20 more than my present bundle. Then I have to Pay a monthly $10 upgrade fee. Then I have to pay $10 a month for the HD channels and then I have to upgrade to a $15.99/Month box/DVR. Oh, and my Tivo will no longer work. So in the end, I am adding $50.99 to my monthly bill because I have a new TV. And if I don't want to pay all of this...well, I am up the creek or I can pay an early termination fee. Yeah Right!

So I ask you...If all of the TVS are now made to require the HD service, How can these companies get away with charging so much for them? If you don't get a choice in being able to buy a basic, no frills TV, then these services should all be standard, if not free. Sometimes I hate capitalism!

She's Here!

Yay!

I am happy to report that at 3:45 this afternoon my friends Aga and Greg welcomed their new little girl into the world. Weighing in at just under 8 lbs, Veronika is perfect.

Both Mom and baby are fine and I will try and post some pictures when I finally get to see her!

Happy Birthday Veronika!

And We're back

Sorry for the lag. I was sick all last week and had no desire to write about anything. Nothing at all. Nothing. Not one thing.

But..I am happy to report that we have returned to the trivia world in all our Glory. Minus last night and my feable attempt to get people to believe me about Gone With The Wind, only to find out I was right and needed to be more assertive.

Anywho. I am back to real life now and can continue to discuss all of the poignant and wonderful things that happen in my life!

I know, you can't wait.

Did I Ever Tell You the Story of the Annoying Sick Person?

Ummm, probably not because I wouldn't want everyone to know that the story was really about me. 

I am sick: flu, allergies, cold, who knows;  But the end result is that I am sick and I am absolutely miserable.  I am the worst sick person on the planet.  I try not to be, but I have to own up to the fact that I really am bad.  I think part of it is that I can't sit still for that long.  Sitting at home, trying to sleep but not being able to, absolutely nothing comforts me.  I get ansty.  I get frustrated.  I get...let's see...whiney.  Not to mention the fact that there is NOTHING to watch on TV.  I can't say that I have a deep desire to watch 10 episodes of A Baby Story or the General Hospital marathon from 1987.  And then there is the food.  I am hungry, then not hungry, hungry then not hungry.  You get the picture.  Just writing this is making me get annoyed with myself.  

I have to give major kudos to all the moms out there who deal with their kids while they are sick as a dog.  I can't even take care of myself and can't imagine having to feel this way while chasing after a toddler!

I am just gross.  Yuck Yuck Yuck  

Me and My New friend Bo

I have a new friend. His name is BO.

He is FANTASTIC and I met him this weekend in Kansas.

I think there is possibility for a real long term realationship here. Perhaps even something more.. Only time will tell

We had a real connection. Even when he was nibbling on my hair. I really think he was sad to see me go.

Oh...and Bo is a horse :)

It's Just a Belt Lady

TJMAXX vexes me. Well, actually it is just the women who works the counter at the fitting room. In the 5 years that I have been at my company, this women has been working these fitting rooms and she is just such a pest. Urg. You would think that I would be used to it by now, but I AM NOT. Every single time I have to try something on in that store I dread it. Why? Because I know that she is going to do some ridiculous thing that will just get under my skin and make me want to scream. I am sure that she really isn't all that annoying, and that most of it is just build up and me exacerbating the issue...but UGH she just gets to me.

First there is the annoying thing she does with counting the clothes. Most places just have you hold up the pile, count from your hand, smile and say...Good Luck. Oh no, not Miss fancy pants over here. You have to put them on the rack. Then she has to count them twice. Then she has to comment on why you would want to try on that particular thing...and then .....the worst part....the actual giving of the number. Oh Dear. Always an ordeal. Sometimes I purposefully put down items that I really want to try on because I know that it will put me over the limit and send this women into a tailspin.

Today, I thought...I have 7 items of clothes, a belt, and a pair of shoes. Clearly..the belt and the shoes were to try on with the clothes. Well....you guessed it.. she just kept repeating that I had too many items. I kindly explained that I needed the belt and shoes to try on with the outfits and I would really appreciate it if she would just let me take them in. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh Noooooooooooooooooooooo. That wasn't going to happen. Then she decided to tell me that I was too short for one of the outfits anyway so what was the point of trying it on. This continued for 3 minutes before I just grabbed the 6 items, belt and shoes and walked into the dressing room. ....I know I should have been good.. but I was not. I started to try on the clothes, and then was soooooooooooooo annoyed at this women that I walked out with the clothes in a pile. Handed them to her....(I did NOT put them on her little racky thing) and said..you know what...all I needed was to try on that belt with these pants and you had to give me a hard time. So now, I will leave the store without making any purchases and it is because of you.

I am sure it had no bearing on her whatsoever..but I sure felt better. I am such a brat.

No good..

My readers have spoken and I will post more.  Pinky Swear.

Dear Weather, Please Make Up Your Mind

Dear Fall,

Now, I know we have had this conversation before, and I don't mean to be a nag, but I am having a hard time here with your "on again, off again" attitude. September 21st has come and gone. That is the signal, the sign, the go ahead, the ole' let's get chilly hint-a-roooney!

Is there a reason why you are cold one day and then 80 degrees the next? Is there something that we need to talk about.? Over drinks perhaps? Are you having seasonal depression?

You see, I don't want to have to be a pest, but your season (Autumn that is) happens to be my favorite. The activities, the clothes, the smell in the air, the crispness outside, the decorations, the holidays. (Ummm did I forget anything. No. ) I will have a particularly hard time adjusting if you don't find your groove and just get down to Fall business.

I'll wait patiently for another week. But when October 7th rolls around, if there is not a need for me to wear my corduroy jacket by then, we will have to have a serious talk.

Wishing you the best,

Lesli

I Really Hate People Sometimes

wait...hate is a strong word. Okay, GREATLY DISLIKE!

What is wrong with people though, really? Can someone answer this question for me. let me explain. My latest issue:

I am driving to work this morning and there is not a great deal of traffic, just typical Monday morning congestion. It was around 8:30 so there were plenty of people on the road who were hauling some serious tail to get to work on time for 9:00. I am sure you can all imagine. Anyway, there was a section of the highway that started to get a little backed up. I figured there had to be a reason. As I came around the bend I could see that there were two cars, (in two different lanes) and one tractor trailer truck in the third lane, that were going around 50 miles an hour. Significantly slower than the other cars who were going at a steady clip of 75. The truck actually had its flashers on.

So, the two cars and the truck had started to cause the traffic to slow and you could tell that people were getting frustrated. Mainly becuase there was no way to really circumvent the slower cars. I was about 6 cars back and I could EASILY read that both cars had signs on them that read "Alternative Driver Program: Please be Patient." Translation---- If you have atleast 1/2 a brain, and a heart, you should know that this signs means.. "Adult and Teenage Drivers with Special Needs, Please Be Kind and Stay Behind, Allow us to Learn without Pressure." I see them alot on the roads in the morning because it is a great time for them to learn how to manuver in traffic and how to deal with higher speed of travel. Makes sense right? You would think that people would understand right?

But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I obviously live in a state surrounded by dumb people with no heart. If you could have heard the honking, and cursing. URG! The agressive driving and the flipping off. I could not believe it. Oh wait, yes I can, because I have come to the realization that this world has some real Jackasses in it! Come On People! Are you for real?

When I finally came up along side the cars there where these young boys trying so hard to concentrate on the road while surrounded by complete jerks. One of the young drivers was clearly shaken up. However, I realized as I passed that the truck driver must have been offended too and put his flashers on and got up behind one of the cars (a third car with sign ) so that people would not tailgate. How nice is that! I was inspired, so I actually got up in front of the lane with one of the cars, tossed the flashers on and drove just slow enough that no one could speed by them and then cut them off. Another women did the same in the other lane. From what I could tell in my mirror, one or two cars followed the trucks idea and got behind them with their flashers. It was like a protective shield. I am sure it totally defeated the purpose of the lesson, but all I could think of was these guys, trying so hard and then being too afraid to get in the car and try again because of some truly stupid people this morning.

So I was 15 minutes late for work. Who cares. I was so pissed off at what I had witnessed you have no idea. But at the same time, I was totally impressed by the truck driver and the other cars for lending a hand, or a bumper...however you look at it.

When I finally merged right to get off at my exit, the car closest to me drove by me. The young boy honked and gave me a thumbs up and a smile. Doesn't get much better than that.

But truly...koodoos to the truck drive, I just stole the idea from him: )

Update:

Disney Princess Half Marathon may be a no go.....cost prohibitive! The registration fee went up from $40 last year to $120 this year! What the @@#$%$#@

Then, My condo won't let me use my points that week in Florida because they consider March 4th to be a vacation week...in what world??

Then, I have a voucher from Southwest and can you believe that there are NO flights available that I could get on.

Geez...

I guess someone does not want me to be a Disney Princess !!!!!!

Under the Boston Sky

Leanne and I moments after a 4.5 mile run last night in Boston as part of the "Let's Run" Summer series along the river. For $25 you get a bib for the race as well as a BBQ and free beer after the run. There are 5 races total and each one features a different cover band. Under the Boston Sky was the final run of the series with Achtung Baby, a U2 cover band.

Leanne and I signed up a while ago for the run, not really knowing what to expect. Just a few little misteps on this one. first, Leanne had her bib sent to EG. At 8 am, in work clothes, I was crawling under her EG house in the laundry room looking for the bib that was no where to be found. NG. The, we thought the race started on the other side of the city. Getting there on time was sooooooo not happening seeing as how we discoverd this fact while en route. I was coming from RI and was all over the place. Needless to say we both ended up changing our clothes in the front seats of our respective cars and hauling seriously tail to the starting line!

It was a gorgeaous night and the sky was red and absoultely amazing. Cool, crisp air, and tons of people. Love it...Leanne and I had some adventures on the race course..but in the end..we finished strong :)

In the line for food, while chatting about the bloody toe incident, we met a group of people who had recently completely their first triathlon. We all immediately became triathlon talking junkies and all hung out for the rest of the night. For the most part, they were a cool group of people...minus Andrew. The pokey and rather annoying little Canadian who felt the need to point out my "wingman" status since my friend was so cute...And I quote ..."Must be hard for you to have to always the "friend"." Hello, tact?? Too bad she was their with her boyfriend freakshow. Way to be observent Andrew. Needless to say, we had to institute the snub. A last resort, but totally necessary in this case.

A great night. A must do for next year!

Me Thinky I Crazy

Yeah, like, So, Ummm....

For some unknown reason...I decided that I needed something new to work towards now that I have done the Triathlon. Since I had such a hard time with the run during the Tri, I figured I needed to improve my skills before the next Tri.

So.....I signed up for the Disney Princess half Marathon. YIKES!

I think I secretly want my lung to collapse again. I must be on crack. See what having a strawerry martini afterowrk does! It makes you crazy and agree to things that are completly insane.

Is it weird

That I found myself at home last night, alone.....drinking sangria and playing Rock Band as loud as humanly possible?

I was wound up last night...seriously wound up. I had to laugh at myself. At one point I did a pretty spot on rendition of Ramblin' Man, and a solid performance with it.

Perhaps I should lay off the Sangria in the future.


Moving On: I have a new hair cut and I am IN LOVE with it.
I have had the same bob-like hair (a little shorter and stacked in the back and then coming down longer in the front) for the last 7 years. I needed a change. So I went dark (well I have been gradually going darker all year) and I cut bangs! Yes, Bangs. I haven't had bangs since I was 11 or 12! Yowza.

Love it though....absolutely love it!

Photos from My Triathlon

For those interested...here I am. Not glamorous but still pretty damn cool :)

Pre-Race Silly Face

Exiting the Water (Scene of the Toe Crime)

Biking Along (Helmet falling off)
The Last 100 Yards - "Next Step , Next Step, Next Step..."

Just crossed the finish line and was investigating the toe.

Note Leanne's Face...the toe was pretty bad!

Putting on Band aids so I could get on with the celebration
Sharon and Rob Biked at 6 am to watch me!

My Loyal and Supportive "Team Lesli" ...Shirts and all. That is serious dedication.

I am so lucky!

(hey...where is mom and Al?)

The Scariest Drive......

I had the most terrifying experience on the way home today.  I still can't believe that I didn't flip out and start to cry.  I think I was so shaken up I couldn't even think about crying.

I was driving on 95 North on my way home from work.  I was in the high speed lane, not so I could go fast, but because I needed to be in the lane for my left exit.  I was going about 50 miles an hour with the fairly heavy, steady traffic that is typical for my drive home.  About 1/2 mile from the exit, a young girl goes flying by me on the right going about 85 and on her phone.  She cuts in front of me to get in my lane.  

She didn't slow down at all once she merged and got so close to the car in front of her. I even said to myself....geez,  does she want to sit in their laps.  

And then, brake lights.  The car in front of her slams on their brakes and I know this is not going to be good.  I was right.  The young girl had no chance of slowing down so she slammed on her brakes and tried to swerve to the left.  She was going so fast that her car jerked to one side, wobbled as if it were going to roll over, smoke flying from the tires, screeching...  She over compensated again and the car made 1 and 1/2 turns onto the highway.  The next thing I know, she is in front of me, going the wrong way.  Even though I had plenty of car lengths between us slow down, there was no time to account for how far the car spun toward me and then the fact that she was driving right at me.  I had a split second to try and figure out her next move while getting out of the way of a car going the wrong way... while I was going 40 miles an hour.

I was terrified.  I could see her and she was just as terrified and yet still on the phone.  She slammed on her brakes again and veered into the lane next. I swerved to the left  as fast and hard as I could and drove myself into the grassy ditch between North and South bound of the highway.  The car behind me did the same just in case.  I stopped the car and looked around to see what had happened.  Believe it or not, no one was hit.  

The most unbelievable part was that she turned her car around and drove away and left the rest of us all over the place to try and get a grip on what just happened.  The guy in the ditch with me checked to make sure I was okay and then he and I got in our cars to try and see if we could get her plate.  I think I was in shock the rest of the way home.  I am still a little shaken up.  Holy Crap.  That was freakin' scary as.......

Tick Tock Doc!

Someone explain the rationale behind this please: I get to my doctors this morning at 8:15 for my 8:30 annual physical. I am the only one in the office since I am the first patient of the morning.

The PA takes me into the room at exactly 8:30 and does the run through: height, weight, blood pressure. etc. She tells me to shed to my skiviezs and the doctor will be right in.

30 minutes later I am sitting in the over-airconditioned examining room 3 with nothing but a paper gown on....waiting for the doctor. 30 Minutes People. Are you Serious!
--------------------------
Where could she be? Not seeing another patient.
Asleep in her office? Not earlier enough.
Off getting breakfast? Possibly, she is pregnant and could be a slave to the hunger.
--------------------------
Regardless, I just don't understand why it could be that hard to stay on schedule when it is the first appointment of the day. Hmmmmm. Some things I guess I will never know. They could atleast give you a cotton gown then....

I.T.F.E. - Wild Dog 2009

I.T. F. E.  : My Mantra..

The definition of a triathlon is not simply : swim bike run.  In the tri world it means Individual Test of Fitness and Endurance.   It isn't a race against the 499 other triathletes , it is a race with yourself.  It tests how far you can push yourself physically before you give in.  

I know that sounds hoackie, but it is so true.

So At 7:00 this morning, I had my sister write the letters ITFE on my forearm.  For Every time I felt tired, I could just look down and remember why I decided to do this.  It was for no one else but me.  I said I would do it.  Today was the day.   6 months of whipping my couch potato ass into shape and twice a day training came down to this.

At 7:08 AM I hit the water for the first leg of the race.  I house the swim.  A personal best.  However, on the way out of the water I was dragged and kicked and we all struggled over the brutal rocks and barnacles and shells.  At my transition mat was when I noticed that my foot and knee were bleeding and raw.  Everyone else around me had the same issue.  Nothing left to do but squirt a little water and throw on my socks an shoes.  I took off on my bike and felt great through the whole thing.  Other than losing my water bottle at mile 10 it was awesome.  Back at the transition area I grab a GU and my palm water and headed out for the run.  Total motivation as I ran past my family and friends screaming encouragement.  Everyone else was so Jealous of my fans!  The run is my weakest event of all and I was prepared to have to walk it.  Unilung does not go well with running.  But adrenaline is a funny thing.  Although I had every intention of walking, I felt good enough that I decided to start off at a slow run.  About mile 1.5 I notice the blood dripping down my leg onto my right shoe as well as my blood soaked left shoe.  Never good.  Never Good .  Never Good.  But at this point, I was numb to any pain and was determined.   I hadn't had to walk yet..yippee....and was not about to quit the stinking thing.  At the halfway mark I walked about 50 yards to the water station, hydrated, rinsed the blood and then started out running to finish this thing once and for all.  I passed another triathlete who was determined to not walk as well.  So she and I paired up and motivated each other all the way to the last 100 yards.

As I rounded the corner of the the park I see my Dad and Brother in Law, there to cheer me on. Just past them, my sister met me to run the last little bit to the finish line.  As I crossed I could hear the cheers from my entire family and close friends.  I had a posse!  Seriously.  All wearing Team Lesli shirts ( who made those?)  The brainchild of my cousins, the shirts were like a little smiley face to help me across the finish line.  How cool is may family....I mean seriously.  I really am lucky to have such a supportive bunch.  And I had two of my close friends and their husbands there as well.  That is dedication to get up that early!   It felt so good to cross the finish line.  I wasn't prepared for the rush I would feel...and then...the relief :)  Hee Hee

Immediately upon completion I find my fam and took off my shoes to assess the damage.  My toe is absolutely mangled as are the rest of both of my feet.  I have no idea how I biked and ran with them.  I'll post a picture of my friend Leanne's reaction to the grossness when unveiled....that should speak for itself.  Guess I have a fairly high tolerance for pain.

My final time:  1 hour and 26 minutes.  Start to Finish.  

Probably one of the coolest things I have done.  I feel so accomplished.  I wasn't sure if I had it in me but I stuck with it and it was totally worth it!  

Don't be surprised if you see my on the registration list again.  I am absolutely, completely hooked. :)

Pictures to come shortly.

  

Fiddle Dee Dee

Yesterday was officially one of my worst days.

Thank Goodness it is over.

I needed to Scarlett O'Hara Myself.

Big time

Phone Quandary

Can someone please explain to me why people constantly feel the need to pick up their phones (cell or any other) simply to tell the person on the other end that they can not talk right now and then the caller proceeds to promptly hang up without so much as a farewell, goodbye, call ya later, adios muchacha...nothing?

I don't understand this practice at all. Now this is not to say that I am completely innocent here. I am sure there have been times were I have done this subconsciously. But it does not mean that I understand it.

Let's think about this. Is it really practical to rush to search through your purse to find your phone while you are carrying three bags of grocereies from your car while holding on to one of your children's hands? You pick up, only to say, "let me call you back when I am in the house." If it is really an emergency, the person will leave a message. So why not just let it go to voicemail, check the phone when safely inside, and make the determination if you need to call that individual back. Again I ask, if you are running through the parking lot with your laptop on your shoulder, three files in your hand, and your phone, somewhere in the inside poacket of your suit jacket, hurrying because you are late for a morning meeting, do you really need to pick up that phone, really? What is the fear that everyone has about voicemail? Did I miss the memo? Is that not cool to use anymore? I don't get it. Have we all become so addicted to our phones that the thought of missing one single call could potentially ruin a whole day.

Send me to voicemail damn it! I can't stand the "lemme call you right back." Just don't pick up the phone. I will get the hint. If it is an inconvenient time. Relax. We will understand. Really I will. And when you have the time....Gimme a buzz. It won't hurt my feelings. I promise.

Gross Gross Gross

What the heck was I thinking going for a run in the middle of a work day. Seriously. It was up there with one of the dumbest things I could do.

I know I was lazy this morning and should have just gotten out of bed and done my run. But no, I justified my laziness by stating " don't worry, you can just bring your stuff to work and go at lunch." Which I did, and now regret.

I was hot, smelly, sweaty, gross. I had to shower and then redry my hair. My face is all read and now I feel tired and hungry and all I want to do is go and take a nap. This is not the normal feeling I have after I work out. It was the horrible reality of having to drag my ass back to my desk and continue to work for the next 5 hours. Ugh.

And to think, I actually brought my bike to work and was going to bike 12 miles at the end of the day too. All this before meeting my parents for dinner at 7:30. Which would of course involve anoother bout of hot, smelly, sweaty, gross. And then the 3rd shower of the day. Yeah, I am thinking I should have thought this through a bit more.

Olympia Sports ....Part 2

Ahhh, Debbie, great minds think alike.

Normally, yes, I would pen a lovely letter to their offices letting them know my displeasure. However, I was so infuriated after this who thing that I decided a call needed to be made. So after doing a little digging, I unearthed the direct phone number to their corporate offices. And luckily, our "wonderful" sales person was too stupid to realize that his name and his employee number printed out on the receipt. Sorry Charlie.

So first thing on Monday morning I made a phone call and got to speak with Joanne. I ran through the entire interaction that had taken place and was met with absolute silence. I actually had to say.."hello, you there" after about 20 seconds of quiet. She was soooooooooooo mortified by what had happened that she admitted that she was speechless.

I let her know that typically I like to call and commend great customer service when received, and that it felt strange to have to call with such a terrible experience.

She apologized a thousand times and was sure to let me know that the company prides itself on its education and customer service. Especially, she added, in today's economy when every customer is sacred. In a nut shell, she let me know that this attitude was un exceptable and that the sales manager for this office would never tolerate such behavior.

"There is a time and a place for education and retraining with employees, however, this is not one of them. The only lesson this employee will be learning is a hard one. He will learn how hard it is going to be to find a new job in a struggling economy with such a poor service ethic." She said " Employees sometimes forget that our customers are our bread and butter, and that without them, we have no paycheck." I couldn't agree more.

So after all was said and done, she asked me for my contact information. On Saturday I received a letter in the mail from Joanne. Apology apology..and enclosed a little tiny envelope. Handwirtten on the front was a note. ..

" Enclosed please find a gift card for $40 as reimbursement for your two pairs of shorts. It's the least we can do...I do hope that an isolated incident has not lost your business for good. Please know that the situation has been rectified appropriately. Best Wishes, Joanne. "

Olympia Sports ..Part 1

Does Good Customer Service Still Exist in an Economy when every customer should be worshiped?  I was certainly asking myself this question last Saturday when I walked into Olympia Sports in Fairhaven.  I was in desperate need of googles that I could use in my open water swim.  There are stores all over the place now that have googles.  But I thought, "Hey, instead of going to a big box store, I will go to Olympia sports because perhaps the folks there may have a better idea of what googles may be good".  

Before entering the store we see a rack with Huge writing that said Ladies Reebok 50% Off.  They had awesome wicking shorts so I grab two pairs.  50% off would make them 10 bucks.  Fantastic!

I go in, in search of the googles next.  Oooooh.  Not so much on the help and knowledge factor.  Getting the help of the sales person was a challange.  He could care less that I was there or that I wanted to spend any money.  But the best part...the really great service was at check out.  

So I find my own googles, take my shorts, and go to the counter.  He rings everything up and it comes to $55.  Excuse me me?  How is that possible?  The following occurred.

Me: "Those shorts were 50% off"

Guy:  " Ummm No.  Only the tanks are on sale"

Me:  "But they are on the rack with the 50% off and the signs says Ladies Reebok"

Guy: " Umm actually, if you read, the sign says tanks and tees"

Me:  "Really,  let me go check:" ( The tank part was so small, that it was almost unreadable)

Me: "  Well, I guess that is the case, but it is pretty deceptive how that is set up, perhaps you may want to move the shorts."

Guy:  "  Well if you could read, there would be no issue, do you want the shorts?"

Me: "  Did you just tell me I don't know how to read? Silence.

" Yes I would like them, but is there a reason why the shorts are on that rack?"

Guy: " They match the tanks, hello!" (They did not match)

Me: "?????"  "  Hard to see why that is relevant"

Guy:  "Again, if you could read....  Well customers just see what they want to see anyway"

Me: " Mom, please restrain me from jumping this counter."

Guy: "  License please, your card says request ID"

Guy:  When looking at my license ... "  110 lbs.  Yeah right"

Hold me back hold me back! 

Me:  "Perhaps you might want to work on your customer service or get a new job"

Guy: " Hufff...why?, we still got your business.."

ooooooooooooh, wrong thing to say to this little lady. 

All of the customers in line behind me walked out with me.  My dad went in about 20 minutes later to get something and I opened the door and said "  DO NOT buy anything from this store or that absolutely rude and awful salesperson.  Again, 5 more people let the store.

Oh the Pain...

I am in the home stretch so to speak with my Triathlon Training. 1 month out and training is starting to kick my lily white ass. Sorry for being so frank, but it is the truth. I have now entered the stage of what they call "the bricks." For all of you non-triathletes, a brick is a double dose training. So, where before I would run one day, then swim the next, then bike...(you get the picture) the Brick is intended to prepare you for race day. So Monday I swim then run, Tuesday I run then bike, Wednesdays I swim then bike, Thursdays I bike than run, fridays I run than swim and Saturdays I run then run. On Sunday, I bathe in a vat of Ben Gay and curse the Gods of the Traithlon. What the HELL was I thinking.

Yesterday Leanne and I did a swim, Bike, to a mini run to get our legs used to the feeling....ummm, in a nut shell, it is the feeling of jello. MY legs were like gumbee legs. Ridiculous. This is going to be interesting. And she and I encountered a little thing yesterday that is NOT my friend. A little thing called WIND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy freaking wind tunnel batman. We turned the corner and it was a like a wall. Bam! I was peddling my little Arse off and it was like I was getting no where. Fabulous. Then we finish, I get off the bike, ran about 50 yards and wanted to crumble.

We went to dinner an hour later and every inch of my body hurt. It hurt to blink. And to think, I am in pretty darn good shape right now. Lord Love a DUCK.

On a side note, and speaking of being Frank...I need to discuss by garden. If you were in my head you would know that this train of thought actually makes sense. Here... I said "sorry for being frank" which immediately made me think of Jay's uncle Frank. This made me think of the giant scallions that he gave me last year that I planted in my garden. This then made me think of how much they have grown yet NONE of the flowers that are in my garden have bloomed at all. Which led me to want to discuss my garden. Ok, now that we have that out of the way..

Let's discuss. I have no blooms in my garden. Not a single one. I live in a sea of greenery right now. Seriously. All of the plants came back, and they are all full and beautiful, but none of them have bloomed at all. I am assuming it is because it was so cold for so long and everything is a little delayed, but I am really bummed that my garden is not a flowering picture of beauty. I had such high hopes to walk out on to my deck each morning and drink my tea among the wildflowers with birds chirping and butterfies fluttering about. Ummm, no such luck. Ugh, well, I guess if that is the most that I have complain about in my life, things could be worse.

Oh, and when I cool down abit I will have to discuss Olympia Sports. That was interesting today. NOTE::::::::: NEVER SHOP AT THAT STORE AGAIN. More to come on that one later.

Seasonal Depression

Is it possible to have reverse seasonal depression. Meaning...that it is not because of the humdrum weather or the dark and dreary days of winter.. Rather I am depressed because I am sitting at a desk and all I do is look out my giant office window at the sun and the blue sky. They are two thinks I will not be coming in contact with until 5:30 pm when they are almost gone for the day.. Booo

I have seasonal depression. I am convinced.

Easy for Me to Say Now!

So, I spent 3.5 hours yesterday evening touring the aisles of Babies R Us searching out the most important baby necessities that should be on any woman's baby registry. 

HOLD UP..... HOLD UP.......

I was helping my friend register.  Everyone take a deep breath, relax, find your center, there is no news to be had here.

OK . Moving on.

After looking at 75 strollers, 80 car seats, nipples, breast pumps, thermometers, bottles, slings, bouncy seats, pack and plays, diapers, wipes, bath tubs, towels, bibs, onsies, yadda yadda yadda...I was dizzy.  So I can only imagine how the pregnant lady felt.  Geez.  

It was entirely overwhelming and we didn't even really have to think since we went with lists! 

The most insane part of the whole thing was how anti-gadget I was.  I was a crazy, psycho, plastic hating, wacko who could not get over how much STUFF there was that, the store insisted and people felt they HAVE to buy...well register for...

But traditional "stuff"...nowhere to be found.  I asked for a moses basket or cradle at the counter and their response was..."why would you need that, it is so old fashion." She then said, "you absolutely MUST HAVE a 3-in-1- bassinet. That's what people use now." Explain to me why I need this, when I had already registered for a crib, pack and play, swing, and bouncy chair.  UGGG. 

At one point said preggers friend was looking at an "Excersaucer" and wanted to register for it and I looked at here and said "  I refuse to let you register for that giant hunk of plastic monstrosity.  You should be entertaining your baby, not a flingy dingy plastic thingy.  Use a sock puppet for cryin' out loud!" She just bust out into laughter as did I.  Where did that come from? (No disrespect to all excersaucer owners out there).

I had no idea how weird I was.  I mean, it was unhealthy. Especially since I have no kids.....right?  You all know it though...  I am going to be that girl..who thinks all of this is ridiculous but then ends up having the registry that is longer than the lost scrolls of Alexandria.  

But I still can't get over how many things they say you just can't live without.  So I ask...all of you moms out there.  Help me understand.  List your top three "Can't live withouts."  I neeeeeeeeeeeeed to know.  Teach the young Padawan. 

Point NOT well taken Judge Chin...

Bernie Madoff...luckily a name I don't know well except for what I have heard in the media since his Ponzi scheme came to light. This, of course, becuase I am not savvy enough to ever have any money to invest and therefore would never have enough money to have it stolen. Anyway, I digress...

I had to laugh when I read that he was sentenced to 150 years in prison.

He was sentaced to prison becuase he was charged and found guilty of "investing" and losing billions of dollars of other peoples money. Something that we have become all to familiar with over the past 10 years. Greedy, sleezy people who have feasted off of the hard work of others and have, for all intents and purposes, gotton away with it. The man has already taken enough money from people, and having him live out his days in a "cozy" federal prison, still living off other peoples hard earned money doesn't seem right. But the law is the law and he will pay for his crimes. Do I wish that we could make him live penniless and on the street, struggling to survive, not knowing how he was going to get his next meal so that he could have a small dose of reality, yes I do. But I trusted that the Federal judge overseaing this case would find a suitable punishment that fit the crimes, even if I wanted him to "be creative."

But, realistically, as much as I think this 71 year old man should, in fact, live out his final days in prison, do we really think that it is necessary to impose a 150 year sentace. I mean, come on, the guy did apologize. ...

No seriously, atone for your sins or not, 150 years is just simply ridiculous. What was this federal judge thinking? Madoff has become a symbol of judicial excess, punishment handed down out of frustration and annoyance, of a man paying the price not just for his own crimes but for the crimes of others who came before him.

The sad thing is, his attempt to show that this type of action will not be tolerated is falling on deaf ears. Does this judge truly believe that the financial elite are really going to start playing nice and follow all the rules. Hell no. If anything, they will think, "Well Madoff is taking the lion's share so we should be safe for a while ." Great, just what we needed. Thanks Judge Chin, Thanks alot.

Oh Joy.....

Look at you sitting there, so beautiful and wonderful.  Shiny and delicious.  Your legs go on for miles.  I twirl you around and around.  Wishing that you would last just a little longer.  Once you are gone, you are gone for ever.  Then I will be sad.  

You are my glass of wine and I love you.  

Butcher, BAKER, Candlestick maker

So I have never hacked away at meat, and I can't say that I have made any candlesticks to date, but I can safely say that I can add Baker/Cake Maker to my name.

In an all out risky move to help a family friend, who was caught in a pickle with their wedding cake, I decided to step up to the plate and offer to make the darn thing. With 4 days notice.

As I am not a master cake maker, this may have been a dumb idea. However, I do have the good fortune of have one of my closest friends (miss Erin) be a trained pastry chef. Yay me. Since she could not make the cake herself she promised me that I was creative enough to give it a go, so I did. She gave me the quick run down on the dos and don'ts of Cakes 101 and I was off.

So, three days, three tiers, and a whole hell of a lot of frosting and fondant later we have....wait for it...wait for it....

Jack Frost nipping at your...Freezer Drawer???

Lord Love A Duck. The freezer is frosting again. Why? I ask..why?

Today marks the 4th time that the lovely Sears technician will be entering my humble abode to try and fix my Frostey McFrosterson freezer. All the parts have been replaced and he has tried everything. My hope is that today with be the day the freezer is declared...... a LEMON.

My Master Protection agreement (as the fridge is less than 2 years old) will cover the replacement of the fridge if...and only if.... after 4 visits for the same problem, the problem persists. Well, judging by the 1/2 thick layer of frost in my freezer, I would say it is pretty darn persistent!

Now we wait...

5K and Free Beer. Nice!

Yup, that title is correct. Last weekend I ran my first 5k up in Boston with my friend Leanne. She convinced me that is was necessary part of training for the triathlon so I reluctantly committed and said I would do it.

I am lucky to be alive, but I finished it, successfully, and ran the whole way. Go me! May seem like an easy feat for most, but 3.1 miles on one lung has proven to be the biggest challange of this Traithlon experience.

Anywhooooooooooooooooooo, as if I was not already nervous that I would not be able to finish the race, let alone run the whole way....race day comes and we are informed that perhaps Leanne was mistaken in her portrayal of the race as a "beginner route." Yeah, so, like, it was NOT beginner. In fact, when we were talking with a group of runners (know as the Thirsty Turtles) they laughed when they heard me say that it was my first race....not their idea of an easy start.

No Joke, this was a very hilly course, on asphalt, at noon, in 82 degree heat. I kid you not. SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER Hot out and I told Leanne it may take me an hour to finish (no seriously...I am really slow and average 15 minute miles.) Their are 80 year old men who pass me power walking when I am running on the track. Like I said, running is NOT my best skill.

When all was said and done, I guess the adrenaline of 2200 runners helped me out a bit. Who the heck wants to be passed by a guy with two kids ina stoller and a man with a cane. Not I said the fly. Needless to say, I crossed the finish line at 39:32. But here is the actual breakdown.....With so many people running, it took me 3 minutes to actually cross the starting line (slow folks get bumped to the back of the pack to start). The clock runs from the time of the gun, so they subtract your cross time with your time to the start line. Sooo for all of you math slugs like me...that would be 36:32 for my actual time. Respectable for my first, but I have a long way to go until August :)

The best part....it was the Corrib Classic Pub Crawl 5K Road Race. So you cross the finish line and get....FREE BEER. ALLL DAY. FANTASTIC! We had burgers, hotdogs, oh and did I mention. FREE BEER. I might just fall in love with running afterall.

Doug (our Thirsty Turtle), Leanne and I

Goooooooooo National! No Good Stinkin' Orioles

So while in DC over the holiday weekend, Jay and I went with my friend Jen to a nationals game at the new stadium. My goodness did they do it up right! It was a beautiful stadium and it had absolutely gorgeous views. Loved it! We were up so high you could barely see the game, but the skyline was amazing and the stadium was just so nice. Honestly, I think my favorite part of the whole game were the racing presidents. If you have not seen this in person it definately warrents a visit. Mascots dressed as Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt chase each other around the field. At one point they were attached by the Eagle and then by the Oriole. Tackeled flat out. Faannnnnntastic! All in All...well worth the visit.

Pictures to come on this one. I seem to have misplaced my memory card :)

Ode to Belgian Beer - A Pictoral Journey

The Beginning

Mmmm Beer

10 years and it still tastes great!

The Best Bottle Opener Ever
Voila!

The Middle

We start them young...

The End

And Here is to Feeling Good...All The Time!

~Fin~

When Did Coffee Become Crack?

When did it become okay for "not having your morning coffee" to be the excuse for everything. really? Is that a valid excuse for life? Last I checked coffee was not an illicit substance and it did not have the addictive qualities of crack, yet people walk around as if it does... I see glassed over eyes, people twitching, some folks get really cranky and snappy. Next thing you know I will hear people whispeing under their breaths as they walk by "hey man, you gotta dose". How have we let it get this far gone. Really.

I am sorry if you have not had caffiene this morning. I am also sorry that you have allowed yourself to become a complete poopy head because you have not had your morning coffee. However, please do not tell me that you are completely incapable of doing your work, forgot to walk the dog, couldn't find appropriate work clothes, can't do the laundry, have to leave the dishwasher full, couldn't possibly drive into the city simply becuase you have yet had your daily cup a joe!

You mean to tell me that this small little cup of hazelnut heaven is the complete ruler over your life and functionality and without it you are a giant pile of mush. Hmmm, I am thinking that this excuse would not go over well with a boss who was delivering an annual review. When asked why you couldn't meet your sales goals you say " well....I blame it on the damn coffee man...it is consuming my life. I need help." If it won't fly there, gimme one good reason as to why it she fly anywhere else. Hmm. come' on!

Smallshoo 101

1. I am, In fact 5 feet tall...on the money
2. I swam competitively for 13 years and had a backstroke like you wouldn't believe
3. I have severe texture issues...Please NO cooked raisins
4. If given the opportunity I would bath in a vat of Cheese (I LOVE CHEESE)
5. I sometimes fantasize about being on a dude ranch...as a hot cowgirl in faded Levis, a cowboy hat, boots and a white tank top!
6. My blog name is quite literal...based on my exceptionally tiny feet
7. I love Winnie the Pooh and have since I was little. My sister still calls me Yezl Pooh
8. I was a nanny for 4 years
9. I collect ridiculous amounts of sea glass every summer and have since I was 5
10. I get butterflies prior to any social situation...without fail.
11. I was hit by the same car (while on a bike), twice in the same week when I was 11
12. I have studied and played the guitar, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and drums
13. 9 times out of 10 I am quoting a Jane Austin book and usually only my sister knows
14. I was a vegetarian for 8 years until I was derailed by a Whopper combo with cheese (which I like to dip in Honey...)
15. I have only 1 fully functioning lung and I am partially deaf in one ear.
16. I am terrified of heights because I somewhat fell out of an upside down roller coaster when I was 10 (my father held on to my knees and pulled me back in)
17. I think butter makes everything taste better
18. I own more power tools than most of my male friends and built my kitchen cabinets two inches shorter than normal to accommodate my height
19. I told off Ted Kennedy at a press conference and lived to see another day...and was offered a job in his office
20. I have a minor in Studio Art and have taught Photography
21. I sing at the top of my longs to cheesy ballads when no one is around
22. I once got confused while making Minute rice
23. I am a pack rat
24. If my sister and I are all talking at the same time, really quickly, we sound like we are speaking a foreign language
25. I am loyal to a fault

Is it Still Golf if the Ball is Never Airborn?

I successfully played my first round of golf on Saturday morning. In a moment of pure brilliance...Jay thought it would be fun to find a public course in DC and go play golf. He has been playing more and more recently and I thought... Heck, Why not. Oh wait, I know why not; I have no idea how to play golf. "Ahhhh, who cares" he says. "You have to learn sometime." So true. So true, but shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, we won't tell him that.

With a recommendation from Jen and a quick Internet search we had found a public course at Hains Point in Potomac Park. Perfecto Mundo! Off we go. We went all out: clubs, cart, and Jay even bought me a golf shirt. If I was going to stink I might as well look good doing it. Right ? I should have know that it was too good to be true that we would be on our own on the course. Sure enough, we were paired up with two other guys. Trevor and Brad. Ugh. I spazzed at first, then panicked, then realized that it's all good. They looked cool.

Well, Trevor was pretty cool. Firm hand shake, supportive and interested in giving me pointers. Nice Guy. Brad, he is what I like to call ( and I mean no disrespect) a "turrets golfer". Explicar Por Favor..you say...

Fully expecting to suck at golf, I was nervous and self conscious at first, but after a while I got into a grove and didn't care where the ball went, as long as I didn't whif. I couldn't get the ball to go into the air at all...just rolled like a bowling ball...but the darn thing went perfectly straight. So it was all good. Brad, however, had higher hopes and expectations for his golf game. So as a result, if the ball he hit even hinted at going in the wrong direction, he began to curse and huff in frantic succession. with his eyes twitching and his clubs flying you could hear "Sh$%$%t Mother F%$%%$er, God D$#%mn it Freaken A -hole Piece of Sh#$%t ball No good F%$^^%$ing F$#$$#er" ....you get the picture. It was hilarious. Every single time he hit the ball he went into a downward spiral of explatives. It was like caddyshack gone bad!

After a while he me look pretty darn good too. All in all I had a decent first round. My only terrible hole was the first one. I got an X. Never a good sign. But I rallied and ended up with a few pars. Not to Shabby if I do say so myself. It also helped that every time I hit the ball I was looking out at the national mountains..I mean monuments! The views alone put any public course in Rhode Island to shame :) I don't know if the next round I play will have the same impact as this weekend seeing as how the mountains...I mean monuments will be gone and I won't have "extreme turrets golfer "playing next to me, but i think it will be just as fun :) And of course, we can't forget the ice cold $20 Margarita that closed out a fantastic afternoon...but hey, you can get those anywhere!

Bedtime for Bonzo

As my dad used to always say!  It has been a long and crazy, fun filled Memorial Day weekend and I am finally snuggling into bed.  As much fun as I had staying with my friends this weekend, there is nothing as sweet as climbing into my own bed, surrounded my the kitties, and quietly falling asleep.  Work tomorrow.  Back to reality.  Oh bother.  

Tune in tomorrow for details on my weekend shinnanigans.  I don't dare try to post it all now.  Who knows what we will end up with.  For now, it is bedtime for bonzo.  Later gaters.

A funny thing is happening...

I am remembering how much I really enjoyed exercise.

For years now, many, many years (ever since the dreadful lung collapse) I have been terrified of exercise and quite frankly, convinced that I would never be as fit as I used to be when I was in my teens and twenties. I used to be a super health nut....Vegetarian, athlete, extreme exerciser blah blah blah. Maxing out at about 90 lbs. But I was lean, and fit, and healthy (ok..maybe 90lbs is not healthy, but in my twenties I was a good weight.) So I will make no claims to ever be that thin again. My body has it's limitations Geez! But I honestly believe now that I may eventually be that FIT again. I don't know why I was so afraid to exercise. Deep down I am sure that it was because I thought I would somehow bust my good lung and.... well...where would that leave me....NG

Essentially, it boils down to the fact that I was a slug. Excuses excuses excuses. Had I just decided to start exercising, I would have realized that my lung was not going to explode and that perhaps I may just enjoy myself again. OOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhh How true. I actually enjoy getting up and going to the pool before work. (Although running before work...not a good idea. Tuckers me out) I totally look forward to my bike rides after work and find myself trying to figure out how I can bike to work without getting run over on the highway. Look at me, I am so extreme. Ha! Who am I kidding.

Signing up for the triathlon was the best thing I could have done to get me back in the swing of things. That said...Leanne and I are seriously questioning what the HECK we got ourselves into. The fact that it is getting me healthy is great, but I think we may be over our heads here. Ha Ha haha...get it...over our heads...water...triathlon. Ok maybe not. Now she has me signing up to do a 5k on June 7th. She thinks it will be good practice for us for the race. All this his coming from a girl who can run a 5k in 26 minutes. I am doomed. Who uses a 5 k as practice when up until 2 months ago they didn't know that legs were meant to run. Oh Dear.

Wait Wait. Must be positive. Like to exercise. Must run. Be fit. Okay, I think I have convinced myself sufficiently that this will be a good thing. Let's just hope I don't fall off the wagon next week in DC without the crutch of my pool and my gym.

Were You Suffering from Fear of Abandonment?

I think you were. .. You thought I disappeared and was no where to be found. Not true. Not true at all. I am here but have had a mini blog vacation.

There was so much going on...but it was either:
1. Not blog worthy
2. So annoying the thought of blogging about it mad me angry
3. Blog worthy, but the moment passed and then it failed to be blog worthy anymore
4. Probably only interesting to me and so I decided against it

So here we are. Out of the blogging hiatus and ready to make all your dreams come true. Okay, that is a bit much. I know. Cut me some slack here people.

I leave you with this....

I am having a Hershey's 100 Calorie Pretzel Bar emergency.

Meaning...I have none and this could get ugly.

Blazing Saddles

I caved.........

And bought a new bike. It has been a long time coming, but I just had such sticker shock when I went to go look that I never thought I could bring myself to do it. Now, don't get me wrong, I bought the base model road/racing bike...nothing fancy and had to have it special ordered since I am so damn short. Story of my life. But I bought it nonetheless.

Honestly, the bike purchase came to be... thanks to good old customer loyalty. Who knew it still existed. So, it went like this....

We find the bike that finally fits me and it is, of course, a budget buster. No Good. However, when the owner (who happens to be friends and old racing partners with my next door neighbor...hee hee hee) learns that we purchased Jay's bike there last year, ski exquipment, bike racks, ski rack, and other sports paraphernalia all from their store... he gets to thinkin'. How can we get this girl on this bike? When I tell him that I am presently training for the Tri on a 13 year old mountain bike, he almost flipped.

Next thing I know there are loyalty discounts, model discounts, "pretend this is last years model" dicounts, it finally feels like spring discounts, hey your short but cute discounts....you get the picture. When all was said and done, the bike price was almost half. NICE. So I said "Sold to the lady in the long black dress." I even got a pair of bike shorts too...intersting things those bike shorts. We'll save that for another post.